‘Fascist’ ex-lorry driver, 80, under investigation in Sarajevo ‘sniper tourism’ case

 ROME - An 80-year-old man from northeastern Italy has been summoned for questioning by prosecutors in Milan as part of a probe into the Sarajevo ‘sniper tourism’ case, according to judicial sources.

 Prosecutors are investigating claims that some foreigners travelled Sarajevo during the Bosnian war of 1992-1995 to engage in ‘sniper tourism’, paying local soldiers to be allowed to shoot at civilians during the siege of the city.  The investigation opened after Italian writer Ezio Gavazzeni lodged a legal complaint regarding the claims, motivated by the 2022 documentary "Sarajevo Safari" by Slovenian director Miran Zupanic.

 The unidentified man, who is a former truck driver and metalworker, was reportedly heard boasting about his shooting of unarmed civilians in Sarajevo, stating that he had “conducted a manhunt.” According to reporting in Corriere della Sera, he is an avowed fascist with a passion for weapons, with police finding several legally-owned firearms in a search of his home.

 Rai News reported that the suspect is one of several Italians being investigated for taking part in the so-called ‘death safaris’, including a man from Turin, a man from Milan, and a banker from Trieste described as a "psychopathic hunter.”

 The suspect is due to be questioned by investigators next Monday, and reportedly faces charges of several counts of premeditated murder.