DistantNews
Support us
Belgian prosecutors investigate alleged involvement in Sarajevo 'sniper safaris'
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Crime & Justice

Belgian prosecutors investigate alleged involvement in Sarajevo 'sniper safaris'

From La Libre Belgique · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece

- Belgian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into potential Belgian involvement in

The Belgian federal prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into possible Belgian participation in the horrific "sniper safaris" that occurred during the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s. These "safaris" allegedly involved wealthy Westerners paying exorbitant sumsโ€”up to โ‚ฌ100,000 per dayโ€”to the Bosnian Serb army for the opportunity to shoot at civilians. This disturbing revelation, first brought to light by Italian media and an ongoing investigation in Italy, suggests a broader international involvement, with reports indicating participation from Italians, French, Germans, and now, potentially, Belgians.

An investigation has been opened at the federal prosecutor's office based on information published in the press. In the interest of the investigation, we do not wish to make further comments on this matter.

โ€” Federal Prosecutor's OfficeResponding to the allegations of Belgian involvement in Sarajevo sniper safaris.

This news, reported by La Libre Belgique, highlights a dark chapter of the Bosnian War that is only now coming to light through diligent investigative journalism. The involvement of individuals from various Western nations in such depraved acts, treating human lives as targets for sport, is a stark reminder of the depths of depravity that can surface during conflict. The Belgian investigation, though in its early stages, is crucial for uncovering the full extent of this scandal and holding any implicated individuals accountable.

We are not just talking about a few psychopaths.

โ€” UnknownReferring to the potential scale of involvement in the Sarajevo sniper safaris.

While Italy and Austria are already investigating, Belgium's decision to open its own inquiry is a significant step. It underscores the importance of confronting these past atrocities and ensuring that those who profited from or participated in such heinous acts face justice. The siege of Sarajevo, one of the longest in modern history, was a period of immense suffering, and the idea that some saw it as an opportunity for morbid entertainment is deeply disturbing. This investigation is not just about historical accountability; it's about confronting the darkest aspects of human nature and ensuring such events are never repeated.

Belgians also participated, alongside "French, Germans and other nationalities."

โ€” Guido SalviniFormer magistrate assisting the Italian investigation, speaking about the international nature of the sniper safaris.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Libre Belgique in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.