European investigators from Italy, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Belgium recently convened at Eurojust in The Hague to coordinate a formal inquiry into “war tourism” during the 1992–1995 Siege of Sarajevo. The probe focuses on allegations that foreign nationals paid significant sums to act as snipers, targeting civilians in the besieged city. This investigation follows a June 17, 2026, decision by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to launch a formal examination into these claims, supported by representatives from 23 nations.
The Origins of the “Sarajevo Safari” Allegations
The investigation centers on a phenomenon described in the book The Weekend Snipers by Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni. According to Gavazzeni, affluent foreign visitors traveled to the hills surrounding Sarajevo, then held by Serbian forces, to fire on civilians for sport. These alleged incidents have been labeled “Sarajevo safaris” in international media reports. The promotional material for Gavazzeni’s work asserts that children were considered the most “valuable” targets, while the elderly were allegedly targeted without payment.
Did you know?
The term “war tourism” in this context refers to the alleged practice of individuals traveling to conflict zones specifically to participate in combat for entertainment purposes, rather than for ideological or military reasons.
Financial Discrepancies in Reported “Death Tariffs”
Evidence regarding the cost of these alleged acts remains contradictory. Ezio Gavazzeni claims that the price for killing a civilian ranged from 80–100 thousand dollars—or 100 thousand euros—at the time of the conflict. However, other accounts provide varying figures. Croatian author Domagoj Margetic has cited estimates of 95–110 thousand German marks for the same activities.
Comparing Reported Costs
| Source | Estimated Cost per Victim |
|---|---|
| Ezio Gavazzeni | 80–100 thousand dollars / 100 thousand euros |
| Domagoj Margetic | 95–110 thousand German Marks |
Future Legal Implications and International Cooperation
Pro Tip:
When researching historical war crimes, always differentiate between witness testimonies, published memoirs, and verified judicial findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Sarajevo Safari” investigation?
It is a multi-national inquiry into allegations that wealthy foreign tourists paid to act as snipers targeting civilians during the 1992–1995 Siege of Sarajevo. - Who is coordinating the investigation?
Eurojust, the European Union agency for criminal justice cooperation, is facilitating the exchange of information between Italian, Austrian, Bosnian, and Belgian investigators. - Is there proof these events occurred?
The allegations remain subject to investigation. While books and reports describe the phenomenon, authorities are currently working to verify these claims through formal legal channels.
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