PHYSICIANS for HUMAN II A RIGHTS iw\ FORENSIC ASSISTANCE PROJECT

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1 PHYSICIANS for HUMAN II A RIGHTS iw\ FORENSIC ASSISTANCE PROJECT Consultant Report Doboj I Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Bosniak Side June 1999 Debra Komar, Ph.D. Forensic Consultant Forensic Assistance Project Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina November 1999 Physicians for Human Rights 100 Boylston Street, Suite 702 Boston, MA USA Tel. (617) Fax. (617) phrusa@phrusa.org, Physicians for Human Rights Hasana Kaimije br Sarajevo Bosna i Hercegovina Tel: Fax: Financed with support of International Commission on Missing Persons ICMP International Commission on Missing Persons

2 Summary of Events From June 10 through 12, 1999 the Federation Commission on Missing Persons- Bosniak Side investigated six sites in the Doboj area and recovered a total of 15 individuals from single, double; and mass unmarked graves and secondary burials of surface deposits. Three of the individuals were soldiers; the remaining were civilians. A PHR Forensic Consultant was present and participated in the exhumations at all sites on all three days. A PHR Forensic Consultant was also present and participated in all postmortem examinations and witnessed the identification process of all 15 individuals. Postmortem examinations revealed that for 10 of the 15 individuals, the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. One individual had died as a result of a fracture to the 2 n cervical vertebra. The cause of death for four individuals could not be determined. All but two individuals have been positively identified as of the writing of this report. (Editor's note: In 1999, it was agreed that the "State Commission on Missing Persons (Bosniak Side)" and the "Federal Commission on Missing Persons - Croat Side" would eventually be referred to as the "Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Bosniak Side" and "Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Croat Side," respectively. For purposes of simplicity ;ind clarity, any reference to either of these commissions in 1999 reports will use the "Federation" names.) PHYSICIANS./or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

3 Participants and Observers (not inclusive) Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Bosniak Side HURTIC Murat Member, Tuzla KOBLAR Zaim Member BRKIC Dr. Sabiha Forensic Pathologist, Tesanj HADROVIC Safet Judge, Cantonal Court, Zenica HADZID Ragib Prosecutor, Tuzla BAJRAMOVIC Sedin Crime Technician, Tuzla HRUSDIC Jasmin Crime Technician, Tuzla Laborers Republika Srpska Commission on Tracing Prisoners and Missing Persons BOGDANIC Milan Member, Banja Luka Local Police Physicians for Human Rights KOMAR, Dr. Debra H. JASARAGIC Edin Office of the High Representative MAGIERA Matt ANDERSEN Wigan KULJUH Klaudia Forensic Consultant, Sarajevo Field Assistant, Sarajevo Exhumations Officer, Sarajevo Exhumations Officer, Sarajevo Special Assistant, Sarajevo International Stabilization Force (June 11 only) STURGIS Lt. Rupert SFOR Commander, Prnjavor British SFOR Troops Site Descriptions A total of six sites were investigated during the three days of exhumation. A summary of the sites, identified by number in chronological order, is provided in Table 1. The date of exhumation, site name, grid co-ordinates and reference map information is also included in Table 1. PHYSICIANS;^ HUMAN RIGHTS, November

4 TABLE 1 - SUMMARY OF SITE LOCATIONS SITE DATE SITE NAME TOPO MAP GRID # BODIES # BODIES # CO-ORDINATE EXPECTED RECOVERED Sevarlije Doboj 2784 III 34TBQ Sevarlije Bare Doboj 2784 III 34TBQ Prnjavor Prnjavor 2684IV 33TYK Derventa Derventa 2684 I 33T YK Detlak Derventa T YK Zboriste Bos.Brod 2685II 33TYK Site 1 represented a surface deposition with evidence of postmortem burning. The remains were collected by the witness from a burn pit at the edge of a farmed field and shallowly buried in a plastic bag. Site 2 was a marked grave adjacent to a gravel factory. The bodies had been placed on the surface then covered with a mixture of materials from the factory. Site 3 was an unmarked mass grave in the Prnjavor city cemetery. mechanical construction and was 2 meters in depth. The grave was of Site 4 was an unmarked single grave in the Derventa city cemetery. The grave was of manual construction and had a maximum depth of 2 meters. Site 5 was an unmarked mass grave in a wooded area adjacent to a farmed field. The grave was mechanically constructed and was 1 meter in depth. Site 6 was an unmarked shallow secondary burial of surface remains. The grave was dug by hand and had a maximum depth of 0.1 meters. Site Histories Site 1 - The decedent MEDINOVIC Ruhib had been killed by Bosnian Serb forces in June 1992 and was; reportedly burned in a pit 5 meters south of the grave. An examination of the reported burn site indicated it was of recent origin and contained no evidence of human remains. According to witness information, the fragmentary remains and clothing had been collected from the pit, placed in a plastic bag and buried. Site 2 - The decedents were a married couple killed by Bosnian Serb forces in The witness, their son, had transported the bodies to the gravel factory and hastily buried them before fleeing the area. The factory had evidence of mines during the previsit and the grave area had been demined prior to exhumation. PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

5 Site 3 - The decedents are all reported to be civilians killed by Bosnian Serb forces in An International Committee of the Red Cross representative informed OHR and PHR that passports and personal documents from the decedents were stored at a local hospital. The team was repeatedly warned of the danger of mines in the area. Also, the local population was displeased with the exhumations and the local Bosnian Serb police advised the team not to leave the cemetery. Site 4 - The team was directed to an unmarked mound in the city cemetery by the mother of the decedent. Her son had been captured on May 12, 1992 by the Serb army and killed on May 15, Site 5 - A witness who had buried four individuals killed in 1992 led the Commission to an unmarked grave. The witness had run electricity to the site and attempted to construct coffins but had only been able to make rudimentary wooden dividers between graves because of a power failure, Three soldiers and one civilian were reported to be in the grave. Site 6 - The witness report indicated that the site was a secondary burial of a surface deposition. The decedent was a civilian killed in Exhumation Process and Condition of Remains All exhumations were conducted using shovels, pickaxes and trowels following standard archeological methods. Site 1 - A plastic bag containing collected surface remains was uncovered at a depth of 0.1 meters. The remains consisted of right and left femora, sacrum, left innominate and eight fragments of the right innominate (figure 5). A pair of men's cotton underwear was also found in the bag and provided the basic of a tentative identification by the witness at the scene. Site 2 - Laborers removed the overburden and the remains were exposed by Dr. Brkic and the PHR consultant (figure 6). The skeletonized remains lay side-by-side fully dressed in civilian clothing with overcoats. The female had a scarf wrapped around her face (figure 7). Jewellery and identification were recovered with the remains. Site 3 - British SFOR troops had not received their orders to attend the exhumations; they happened upon the scene as part of their regular patrol. Following a conversation with OHR representatives, they agreed to remain at the site. A witness on scene reported that the grave had been disturbed in the past two years; however, there was no evidence to support this. The removal of the grave's overburden took over six hours as only four laborers were used. A backhoe would have been more appropriate given the grave size and depth. The seven bodies were unclothed and wrapped in heavy plastic sheeting (figure 9). The remains were extremely well preserved, showing only early stages of decomposition despite a postmortem interval in excess of seven years. The remains were exposed, photographed and removed by 5 pm. In the southwest corner of the grave, an additional body was discovered. The remains were wrapped in the same clear plastic as the others, but were at a depth of 1 meter and were oriented at a 90 angle to the mass grave. Following a discussion with the Commissioners, Judge and OHR representatives, it was decided to exhume the remains. During the removal PHYSICIANS/br HUMAN RIGHTS, November

6 of the overburden, the remains of a casket were uncovered. Given the orientation of the body (identical to those in the cemetery proper) and the evidence of formal burial, the exhumation was halted and the grave was refilled. The seven decedents were transported to the hospital in Zenica for autopsy. Site 4 - The Commission elected to conduct exhumations at several locations at the same time. The first location was this site and laborers were instructed to exhume the grave indicated by the witness. When the team returned from the second location, the laborers had exposed the remains of a single individual in a wooden coffin. To save time, the PHR Consultant was asked to remove the remains while the Commission went ahead to begin exhumations at a third location. Examination of the remains from the wooden coffin revealed that they were those of an elderly woman and could not represent the decedent, a male in his twenties. The PHR Consultant travelled to the third location and informed the Commission who instructed the laborers to return the woman's remains and refill the grave. The laborers were then instructed to exhume the unmarked grave directly beside it. Upon completion of the exhumations at the third location, the team returned to the cemetery where the workers had uncovered another wooden coffin in the second grave. The witness was certain that the decedent had been buried in an aluminium coffin. The Commission ordered the second grave refilled and began probing in the immediate vicinity. With the assistance of the PHR Consultant, the aluminium coffin was located and the remains exhumed (figure 11). A preliminary examination of the skeletonized remains on scene indicated the individual to be of the correct sex and age and the body was transported to Zenica for postmortem examination. Site 5 - Consistent with witness reports, the first body (DET 1) was interred in a full coffin, following which the power had been turned off and the remaining bodies were interred in makeshift coffins made of wood scraps. Although four individuals were reported buried in this location, only three were recovered. An empty coffin was located between DET 1 and DET 2 (figure 12). Fragments of military uniforms were recovered with the skeletonized remains. The bodies were removed by the Commissioner and Drs. Brkic and Komar and transported to Zenica for PM examination. Site 6 - The skeletonized remains were quickly exhumed from the very shallow grave. The disarticulated., incomplete and scavenged nature of the remains supported witness statements that this was a secondary burial of a surface deposition (figure 13). Civilian clothing was also recovered with the remains. A PM examination was conducted on site by Dr. Brkic, with the assistance of Dr. Komar, following which the remains were returned immediately to the family. Postmortem Examination Findings A summary of all postmortem findings is given in Table 2. The decedent's identity, the date of the examination and the cause of death are also included in Table 2. All but two individuals heive been positively identified. The postmortem examination of the remains from sites 1 and 2 were conducted the same day as the exhumations at an outdoor facility. While the facilities were limited (no electricity or running water), the examinations was thorough (figure 8). PHYSICIANS./!^ HUMAN RIGHTS, November

7 Autopsies on individuals recovered from sites 3, 4 and 5 were conducted in the Department of Pathology facility at Zenica Hospital. The facility was sparsely equipped but adequate. Projectiles were recovered from the fleshed remains exhumed at site 3 (figure 10). Identifications by family members were carried out at the hospital on June 17, Given the state of preservation of the remains from site 3, visual identifications could be made with confidence. In addition, many of the decedents had individualizing features such as large fibroid tumours, gold teeth, dentures or surgical scars. An on-site PM examination was conducted on the individual recovered from site 6 (figure 14). The exam was not compromised by the lack of formal facilities. Process Evaluation Under the direction of Dr. Brkic, the exhumations were thorough and adequate time and care was taken to ensure complete recovery of remains. The postmortem examinations, conducted by Dr. Brkic with the assistance of the PHR Consultant, were meticulous and complete. The investigative team was professional and showed a very high level of expertise at all stages of the process. Identification of the remains, attended by the PHR Consultant, was thorough and positive IDs were based on solid evidence. PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November

8 TABLE 2 - SUMMARY OF POSTMORTEM EXAM FINDINGS SITE BODY DECEDENTS DATE # ID# IDENTITY OF PM 1 SEV1 MEHINOVIC Ruhib EV2 Positive ID name withheld SEV3 Positive ID name withheld 3 PRN 1 SLJEPCEVIC Suad FINDINGS Only fragments of R innominate displayed heat artifacts, remaining bones uniformly weathered. PM damage to lateral L innominate, medial epicondyles of both femora consistent with plow or sharp instrument. No PM trauma evident. GSW to R scapula and 5 th rib, with corresponding bullet hole in upper R overcoat and shirt GSW to L ilium, with damage to anterior L5 and L5 along same trajectory. Corresponding bullet holes in clothing. GSW to R and L humeri. Perforating flesh wound to R thorax. Cuts to left lower leg. CAUSE OF DEATH Undetermined due to fragmentary nature of remains Gunshot wound to thorax Gunshot wound to abdomen Multiple gunshot wounds. 3 PRN 2 HUSKIC Hakija Complete fracture of dens with anterior displacement. Fractured cervical vertebra 3 PRN 3 HUSEJNOVIC Neazib GSW to L maxilla through L orbit. Bullet recovered from inside skull Gunshot wound to skull 3 PRN 4 HALILOVIC GSW to thorax. Enes parietal. Healed hematoma to L Gunshot wound to thorax 3 PRN 5 HALILOVIC Dzevad 3 PRN 6 AHMETOVIC ReSid Perforating GSW to R midshaft humerus with corresponding perforating flesh wound across R thorax. Perforating GSW to R knee. Perforating GSW to back at level of T5. Fractures to C3 and C7 spinous process, Teeth fractured from blow to maxilla. Perforating GSW to R through L abdomen. R innominaite fractured. Penetrating GSW to L elbow superior to olecrenon. GSW to R distal femor. Surgical staples removed from left humerus. Large fibroid tumour on left parietal. Fractured cervical vertebrae, multiple gunshot wounds Multiple gunshot wounds PHYSICIANS./^ HUMAN RIGHTS, November

9 PRN 7 SLJEPCEVIC Senad R humerus, perforating GSW to L neck, damage to C2-C6, exit R neck. All ribs fractured. Fractures to R zygomatic and L fibular head. Gunshot wound to neck DER1 MERMIC Adem Projectile entrance wounds (#) to Multiple cranium (3), L humerus (1), R scapula gunshot (1), L innominate (2), R innominate (1). wounds DET 1 BEGANOVIC Miralen GSW to L scapula, R humerus fractured midshaft. Damage to T4, T8. Gunshot wound to thorax DET 2 Unidentified GSW to R scapula, L ilium. Fractures to skull, R distal femur, L fibula. Undetermined DET 3 Unidentified ZBO 1 Positive ID name withheld Skull highly fragmented. Damage to anterior vertebrae. GSW to the skull entering from L frontal, exiting through R squamosal suture. Undetermined Gunshot wound to the head. PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

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12 FIGURE 3 - LOCATION OF SITES 4 AND 5 MAP NAME: DERVENTA MAP NUMBER: EDITION: 7-DMA SERIES: M709 SCALE: 1:50,000 PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

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14 FIGURE 5 - Site 1 (Sevarlije), Remains and clothing of SEV 1, after their removal from the plastic bag. The right innominate displays evidence of postmortem exposure to fire (roll 1001, exp. 5 A). FIGURE 6- Site 2 (Sevarlije Bare), Drs. Brkic and Komar exhume two individuals. The overburden was taken from a nearby gravel factory (roll 1001, exp. 10A). PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

15 FIGURE 7 - Site 2 (Sevarlije Bare), Close up view of the cloth covering the face of SEV 3 (roll 1001, exp. 14A). FIGURE 8 - Site 2 (Sevarlije Bare), Postmortem examination of SEV 2, conducted the same day in a temporary outdoor facility. The arrows indicate location of gunshot wounds and fractures to the left scapula and ribs (roll 1001, exp. 21 A). PHYSICIANS/OA* HUMAN RIGHTS, November

16 m,m % H JH FIGURE 9 - Site 3 (Prnjavor), Remains of PRN 1, 2, 3 and 4, exposed in situ at a depth of 2 meters (roll 1001, exp. 31 A). FIGURE 10 - Site 3 (Prnjavor), postmortem examination at Zenica Hospital, Close up view of PRN 7, showing level of soft tissue preservation. Note trauma (gunshot entrance wound) to the right neck (roll 1004, exp. 22A). PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

17 FIGURE 11 - Site 4 (Derventa), Dr. Brkic removes remains from the aluminum coffin. Photo is of the second grave exhumed (roll 1003, exp. 1A). FIGURE 12 - Site 5 (Detlak), General view of the grave with coffin tops removed and remains exposed in situ. The area under the shovel represents the location of a fourth coffin, exhumed previously (roll 1002, exp. 28A). PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November

18 FIGURE 13 - Site 6 (Zboriste), Remains of ZBO 1 in situ, exposed at a depth of 8 centimeters. The disarticulated nature of the remains, no longer in anatomical position, indicates the secondary nature of the burial (roll 1002, exp. 13 A). FIGURE 14 - Site 6 (Zboriste), Reconstruction of ZBO 1 skull fragments reveals entrance and exit gunshot wounds. Rod indicates direction of trajectory (roll 1002, exp. 20A). PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November