Italy Launches Probe into ‘Sniper Tourists’ in Sarajevo Siege
Italian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into allegations that a group of Italian nationals traveled to Sarajevo during the Bosnian War (1992-1995) to act as “sniper tourists“—paying for the chance to shoot civilians during the brutal siege. If proven, this would mark one of the most grotesque war tourism scandals in modern history.
The Siege of Sarajevo: A City Under Fire
The Siege of Sarajevo was one of the deadliest campaigns of the Bosnian War. Bosnian Serb forces blockaded the city for nearly four years, subjecting residents to relentless shelling and sniper attacks. Over 11,500 people, including 1,500 children, were killed. Civilians were routinely targeted while performing daily tasks like fetching water or walking to school.
Now, disturbing new claims suggest that foreign nationals may have participated in the violence as paid “tourists.”
‘Pay-to-Shoot’ Allegations Surface
Prosecutors in Brescia, Italy, allege that a group of Italian men—reportedly linked to far-right extremism—traveled to Sarajevo during the siege and paid Bosnian Serb militias for access to sniper positions. Witness testimonies from ex-soldiers and Balkan war veterans describe the accused as “thrill-seekers” who turned the conflict into a hunting ground.
Legal and Moral Reckoning
If verified, these acts could constitute war crimes under international law. Italy may prosecute the suspects under universal jurisdiction, which allows trials for atrocities committed abroad. Human rights groups and siege survivors have condemned the allegations, with one survivor stating: “We were hunted like animals—now we learn foreigners joined in?”
Far-Right Ties Under Scrutiny
Investigators are examining connections between the accused and European neo-fascist groups. Similar cases of foreign fighters joining conflicts for sport have emerged in Syria and Ukraine, but “sniper tourism” in Sarajevo adds a disturbing new layer.
Can Justice Be Achieved?
The case faces challenges due to scarce evidence and faded memories. Prosecutors are reviewing 1990s-era travel records, financial transactions, and communications. For Sarajevo’s survivors, the probe revives painful memories but also hope for accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the world awaits answers—and justice—for one of war’s most chilling chapters.
