A Bosnian man shocked the world when he livestreamed the brutal murder of his ex-wife on Instagram before embarking on a shooting rampage that left several people dead and injured. The incident, described as an extreme case of gender-based violence, has garnered international attention and condemnation.
The horrifying footage was shared on Friday morning by Nermin Sulejmanovic, a body builder and personal trainer from the town of Gradacac in northeastern Bosnia. In the video, Sulejmanovic ominously informed viewers that they were about to witness a murder live on Instagram. He then aimed a pistol at a badly beaten and bloodied woman, believed to be his ex-wife, and shot her point-blank in the head while a child’s cries could be heard in the background. The disturbing video, which amassed over 12,000 views and 125 likes, has since been removed from the platform.
Following the murder, Sulejmanovic proceeded to go on a shooting spree in the streets of Gradacac. Armed with a handgun, he shot and killed a man and his young son, while leaving three others wounded, including a police officer. As law enforcement pursued him, Sulejmanovic ultimately chose to end his own life rather than face capture.
The Prime Minister of Bosnia, Nermin Niksic, expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragedy, stating that there were no words to describe the horrific events that unfolded in Gradacac. He added that although the murderer had taken his own life, the lives of the victims cannot be brought back.
The United Nations also voiced its horror and condemned this act of extreme violence. Ingrid Macdonald, the UN’s resident coordinator for Bosnia, highlighted the livestreaming aspect of the murder, emphasizing the alarming trend of femicide and gender-based violence in the country. Macdonald called for immediate collective action to prevent such attacks from happening again.
Few details have been released regarding Sulejmanovic’s motives for the slaying, but authorities confirmed that his ex-wife had previously reported him for violence and threats. It has been revealed that Sulejmanovic, 35, had a criminal record for drug smuggling and assaulting an officer in the past.
The shocking livestreamed murder has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about the need to tackle gender-based violence and protect victims from such heinous acts. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of raising awareness, implementing effective measures, and providing support systems to prevent similar acts of violence in the future. The international community must work together to combat gender-based violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
