Italian prosecutors have officially opened an investigation into allegations of “sniper safaris” conducted during the Siege of Sarajevo, a dark chapter of the Bosnian War that resurfaced following reports by journalist Ezio Gavazzeni. According to DW News and investigative reports, evidence suggests that wealthy foreign nationals allegedly paid large sums of money to participate in shooting civilians from designated positions in the besieged city.
The Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from 1992 to 1996, remains one of the most brutal conflicts in modern European history. New claims indicate that these “weekend snipers” specifically targeted vulnerable individuals, including children and young women, on what became infamously known as “Sniper Alley.”
For survivors, such as Danijela Sahat—who lost her brother during the conflict—the formal investigation offers a long-awaited chance for accountability. While the events occurred over 30 years ago, European prosecutors are now assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to hold those involved in these acts responsible. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to verify the details of these claims and locate potential suspects who may have participated in the alleged pay-to-kill scheme.