Austria authorities have launched an investigation into two individuals suspected of paying large sums of money during the siege of Sarajevo (1992–1995) in order to shoot at civilians.
The case refers to the so-called “Sarajevo Safari”, an alleged network of organized visits during which wealthy Europeans are accused of traveling to positions held by the Army of the Republika Srpska above the city and firing at men, women, and children for entertainment.
The story has recently regained public attention following reporting by Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni. However, Austrian authorities stated that the investigation was initiated based on a different source of information, opening a new dimension to the case.
Former Austrian Justice Minister of Bosnian origin Alma Zadić said that the mere idea that someone may have paid to deliberately target civilians, including children, is “almost unimaginable” due to the brutality of such alleged crimes.
According to available claims, some participants allegedly paid extra to target pregnant women and children, and afterward reportedly engaged in social gatherings late into the night.
The issue of so-called “human safaris” during the siege of Sarajevo has re-emerged following Gavazzeni’s complaint, with reports suggesting multiple individuals may have paid to participate in the killing of civilians, including women, elderly people, and children.
The Austrian Ministry of Justice stated that the investigation was not initiated based on Gavazzeni’s reporting, but rather on other independent sources of information.
