Croatian investigative journalist Domagoj Margetić has published claims based on what he describes as a secret wartime document from the archive of Slavko Aleksić, former commander of the so-called “Novo Sarajevo Chetnik Detachment.” The document, titled “Order” and dated April 17, 1993, allegedly provides new insights into the background, organization, logistics, and participants involved in so-called “human safaris” conducted during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s.
According to Margetić, the document is an important piece of evidence for understanding the network of individuals and structures connected to activities around Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. He argues that the material sheds light on alleged links between senior political figures, intelligence structures, and wartime operations.
In a series of accompanying statements, Margetić alleges that German politician and former intelligence official Bernd Schmidbauer held significant influence during the administration of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and maintained longstanding ties with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. He further claims that Schmidbauer had knowledge of, or involvement in, events related to sniper positions around Sarajevo during the conflict.
Margetić also alleges that Schmidbauer played an important role in German intelligence activities concerning the wars in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including monitoring military and political developments in the Balkans and maintaining contacts with various political actors in the region.
Additional claims presented by Margetić suggest that Schmidbauer may have had contacts with Russian intelligence operatives allegedly active in Sarajevo during the war. He further argues that German intelligence services, particularly the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), were heavily engaged in gathering military and political information related to the conflict and coordinating with other Western intelligence agencies.
The allegations contained in the document and accompanying commentary have not been independently verified. No publicly available evidence has been presented to substantiate the specific claims regarding Aleksandar Vučić, Bernd Schmidbauer, or the alleged intelligence connections described by Margetić. The individuals mentioned have not publicly responded to these particular allegations at the time of publication.
The publication is likely to generate renewed debate over the role of intelligence services, foreign governments, and political actors during the conflicts that accompanied the breakup of former Yugoslavia.
