Croatian investigative journalist Domagoj Margetić has published new evidence allegedly connecting Serbia’s current president, Aleksandar Vučić, to the atrocities committed during the siege of Sarajevo — events now widely referred to as a “human safari.”
According to Margetić, Vučić’s own statements from 1994–1997, combined with newly uncovered documents and testimonies, place him near the very locations where the so-called “Sarajevo Safari” was carried out.
“After returning from Sarajevo, from the front lines between 1994 and 1997, Aleksandar Vučić gave a large number of statements about his involvement in the war and in the siege of Sarajevo,” Margetić states.
These statements were frequently republished in the official magazine of Šešelj’s Radical Party, “Greater Serbia.”
Claims: Vučić Participated as a Volunteer and Operated in ‘Safari Zones’
Margetić argues that a 1994 statement by Vučić effectively confirms that he was a volunteer fighter in Sarajevo, participating in combat operations in Grbavica and near the Jewish Cemetery, and operating as an armed member of Aleksić’s paramilitary unit.
“These positions,” he writes, “are exactly the micro-locations where the ‘human safari’ was organized and carried out.”
Based on this evidence, Margetić concludes that it is clear Vučić fired at civilians and that his presence is consistent with the pattern of activity associated with the Sarajevo Safari.
Placed at the Scene of Civilian ‘Hunts’
According to Margetić, these facts place Vučić at the same sites where various international reports have documented the existence of paid “hunts” on civilians during the siege.
“Together with all of Vučić’s previous statements, this is yet another piece of evidence placing him exactly in the time and place of the wartime human safaris,” he says.
Earlier Investigations Also Linked Vučić to Paramilitary Sniper Groups
Margetić recently spoke on Euronews Albania about his investigative report connecting Vučić to a Serb paramilitary sniper group during the Bosnian War.
He says his investigation includes testimonies and documents showing that Vučić was involved with a paramilitary unit commanded by Mirko Blagojević, which operated around Sarajevo with special passes issued by Serbian state authorities.
According to Margetić, Vučić:
- escorted so-called “clients” participating in the safari,
- carried an identification badge from Serbian intelligence services, and
- was recognized by members of the unit as someone who facilitated their movement.
The “safari” itself, he says, was run by Slavko Aleksić, with Vučić as part of the same unit.
Testimonies from Former Paramilitary Members
Margetić states that his findings are based on interviews with:
- former members of Serbian paramilitary units,
- soldiers who operated around Sarajevo,
- and individuals directly familiar with the operations of these groups.
He emphasizes that his report does not blame the Serb population, but focuses solely on individuals involved in illegal wartime activities.
Regional Reactions
The statements have sparked intense reactions across the region, renewing public debate about paramilitary operations during the siege of Sarajevo and the potential wartime roles of today’s political leaders.
