A scandal has erupted in Italy that has shocked all of Europe: Milan prosecutors have launched an investigation into the so-called ‘human safaris’ in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. According to investigators, wealthy citizens from various countries, including Spain, paid large sums for the chance to shoot at unarmed residents of the besieged city. This story, long kept in the shadows, has come to the forefront again following the release of a documentary that revealed names and previously undisclosed details to the wider public.
In the 1990s, while Sarajevo was under siege, groups of affluent foreigners traveled to the city to take part in these horrific ‘entertainments.’ Organizers, who were linked to local armed groups, escorted the guests to the hills surrounding the city, where they were able to fire at passersby. Among the participants were not only Italians, but also Spaniards holding prominent positions in society. Tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros were paid for this gruesome experience. The fact that even children became victims made it especially cynical.
Spanish connection and new revelations
The investigation revealed that the ‘safari’ clients included notaries, businessmen, lawyers, and other members of the elite. Some maintained ties with law enforcement agencies in their home countries. In particular, Spanish individuals are mentioned—though their names remain undisclosed, their involvement has provoked public outrage in Spain. Authorities have already received inquiries from politicians demanding to determine whether any of the shooters were Spanish citizens and, if so, to hold them accountable.
Other details also emerged during the investigation: for instance, one of the suspects is the owner of a private clinic in Milan, as well as residents of Turin and Trieste. Charter flights organized by a Serbian airline were used for trips to Sarajevo, allowing participants to mask their movements. The film that sparked widespread debate claims that the ‘hunters’ included not just Europeans, but also citizens of the US, Canada, Russia, France, and Germany.
Demands on the Spanish government
Public backlash is mounting in Spain: political parties are demanding that the government immediately investigate whether Spaniards were involved in these crimes. Official queries have already been filed in parliament, asking whether the government has information on such incidents and if it plans to launch its own investigation. Of particular concern is the presence of individuals linked to radical groups and weapons collectors among the ‘safari’ clients.
While the Milan prosecutor’s office continues its work, Europe is debating how such actions could have gone unpunished for so many years. Questions about moral responsibility and the need for international cooperation in investigating these crimes are growing ever louder. Spanish society is demanding transparency and justice, as these are crimes against humanity committed under the cover of war and impunity.
