A memorial will be held on October 2nd on the bridge of Suada Dilberovic and Olga Sucic in Sarajevo where the tribute will be paid to Italian pacifist Gabriel Moreno Locatelli, who was killed during selfless aiding the residents of besieged Sarajevo.
Locatelli was 34 years old and everyone who knew him said he was a sensitive and generous young man. He studied theology and literature and in Italy assisted discriminated persons.
When the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina began, he arrived here to help through the Catholic charity “Beati and Costruttori di Pace” organization. He worked with them to deliver letters, food, water and clothing to the citizens of the besieged Sarajevo and assist the sick ones.
He was killed on October 3, 1993 by a sniper rifle coming from Serb positions. “He was a pacifist who believed in social engagement and wanted to build a democratic society. He was convinced that BiH belonged to Europe and the European Union and that BiH values were at the same as Europe values. He felt that he had a duty to be directly involved in peace in BiH,” said Italian Ambassador to BiH Nicola Minasi.
Locatelli was killed when crossing the Vrbanja Bridge with the peace flag in his hands, with prior notice that he was a peace agent. While on his knees, a bullet hit him in the back.
He was immediately transported to a French hospital, underwent two surgeries, but did not survive. In the last minutes of his life, he asked if his companions were well.
His help was very important to residents of Sarajevo and they launched a petition to name a street after him. On April 21, 1994, the Center municipality named the street after this hero.
Since 1993, an investigation has been opened in Italy for his murder against an NN person.
