Austria halts investigation into Sarajevo “sniper tourism” allegations

The Austrian Ministry of Justice has agreed to halt an investigation into allegations of “sniper tourism” involving Austrian citizens during the siege of Sarajevo. The investigation, which began in April, focused on two individuals—one identified and one unknown—suspected of traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina to shoot at civilians from sniper positions.

The decision to close the case follows a report from the Prosecutor's Office in Krems, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. Authorities noted that witness testimonies were based on hearsay rather than direct knowledge. Furthermore, investigators determined that the profile of the suspected perpetrator did not match the individual under investigation, and the suspect lacked the financial means to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The case gained attention following inquiries by Alma Zadic, a former Minister of Justice. It also mirrors previous claims made by Italian author Ezio Gavazzeni, who suggested hundreds of foreigners participated in such activities; however, similar investigations by prosecutors in Milan have also struggled to find concrete evidence to support these claims.