Allegations of ’Shooting Tourism‘ Resurface as Complaint Filed Against Serbian President
Milan, Italy – Disturbing allegations of organized “shooting tourism” during the Bosnian War have resurfaced with a formal complaint filed in Milan against Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Croatian journalist Domagoj Margetic lodged the complaint, accusing Vucic of involvement in alleged manhunts targeting civilians in Sarajevo.
The accusations center on claims that Western “sniper tourists,” primarily from Italy, participated in targeting individuals during the siege of Sarajevo. While reports of these activities have circulated for years, concrete legal action was only initiated recently following a separate complaint filed by Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni on suspicion of multiple murders. Gavazzeni claims to know the identities of some of those involved, alleging dozens participated in the alleged hunts.
The allegations come as the 30th anniversary of the end of the bosnian War – which concluded with peace negotiations in Dayton, Ohio, on November 21, 1995, and a subsequent agreement signed in Paris on December 14, 1995 - is observed.The war saw Bosnia and Herzegovina break away from Yugoslavia, leaving deep scars and unresolved questions.
Vucic vehemently denies the allegations, dismissing them as an “outrageous lie.” in a statement to the “informer.rs” portal,he claimed he had “never heard of such safaris.” former secret service agent Subasic corroborated Vucic’s denial, stating he did not fit the profile of the alleged ”hunters” and woudl not have paid for shots.
Despite the renewed attention, solid evidence supporting the claims of “shooting tourism” remains elusive. Slovenian director Miran Zupanic explored the topic in a 2022 documentary,”Sarajevo Safari,” but the current complaints mark the most significant legal challenge to date. Some observers, including Subasic, suggest skepticism surrounding the reports stems from the difficulty in comprehending such alleged atrocities, as well as potential nationalist interests in protecting the Serbian people from negative publicity.
