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PHYSICIANS for

HUMAN RIGHTS

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Consultant Report 1999-061

Sarajevo II

Republika Srpska Commission on Tracing Prisoners and Missing Persons 2 3 - 2 9 September 1999

Geraldine Hodgson Forensic Consultant

Forensic Assistance Project Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina

November 1999

Physicians for Human Rights 100 Boylston Street, Suite 702 Boston, MA 02116 USA Tel. (617)695-0041 Fax. (617)695-0307 Email: [email protected] http://www.phrusa.org

Physicians for Human Rights Hasana Kaimije br. 11

71000 Sarajevo Bosna i Hercegovina Tel: 387-71-232-941 Fax: 387-71-233-767

Financed with support of International Commission on Missing Persons

ICMP International Commission

on Missing Persons

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.phrusa.org

SARAJEVO II CONSULTANT REPORT

Summary of Events

This report is presented in two parts. Part A covers investigations by the Republika Srpska (RS) Commission on Tracing Prisoners and Missing Persons in the area of Visoko. In Part B, the investigations conducted by the RS Commission in the vicinity of Sarajevo is presented.

Part A On 23 September 1999, a Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Forensic Consultant monitored three site investigations by the RS Commission. During these investigations two recoveries were made.

On the day of investigation, investigators exhumed the remains of two persons from sites in the area of Visoko. The remains of one individual were recovered from a site in Lokve Cemetery. One other indiviual was recovered from a site identified as Kovaci, in proximity to the Kovaci Cemetery. No remains were recovered from a site of investigation at Tarcin.

PartB Between 23 September and 29 September 1999, a PHR Forensic Consultant monitored eleven site investigations by the RS Commission. During these investigations six recoveries of human remains were made.

On 23 September 1999, investigators exhumed the remains of three persons from two sites in the suburban area of Dobrinja. These sites were identified as Dobrinja II and Dobrinja III A, respectively. The remains of three individuals were recovered from formal grave sites in Notak Cemetery on 24 September 1999.

Further investigations were made at an unnamed site in Dobrinja on 24 September. The site was in close proximity to the site identified as Dobrinja II. No remains were recovered from this site of investigation.

On 28 September 1999, the RS Commission investigated locations identified as the Novi Grad Site, the Sarajevo Alipasino Bridge Site and the Dobrinja 5 Site. No human remains were identified in these areas of investigation.

A return visit was made to the Dobrinja 5 Site on 29 September 1999. As well, two other sites, both of which were identified as Dobrinja C, were investigated in addition to a site identified as Humbrdo. No human remains were identified at these locations.

(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 and clarity, any reference to either of these commissions in 1999 reports will use the "Federation" names.)

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 1


Participants and Observers

Republika Srpska Commission on Tracing Prisoners and Missing Persons BOGDANIC Milan, Member AVLIJAS Slobodan, Member SKRBA Slobodan, Member (attended 24 - 29 September 1999) SLADOJE Nikola, Judge ZEZKO Rasccic, Judge (attended 24 September 1999) DURDEVIC Zorica, Judge (attended 28 - 29 September 1999) OBEADOVIC Dusko, Crime Inspector, RS Police TOSIC Vladimir, Crime Technician, RS Police Other Crime Technicians

Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Bosniak Side MASOVIC Amor,President (attended 28 - 29 September 1999) BJELLAJAC Mirsad, Deputy Prosecutor COROVIC Nezsad , Prosecutor (attended 24 September 1999) HADZIC Ibrahim, Judge (attended 24 September 1999) RASClC Zafer, Member DELAMET Sefik, Member KOSO Seid, Member of the State Commission (attended 24 September)

Crime Technicians, Bosniak Police ERMID Taric, Crime Technician (attended 24 September 1999) MESIC Sejo, Crime Technician (attended 24 September 1999) HALILOVIC Redzep, Inspector (attended 24 September 1999) COVIC Mensur, Inspector (attended 24 September 1999)

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) HODGSON Geraldine, Forensic Consultant (Anthropologist) H. JASARAGIC Edin, Field Assistant

Office of the High Representative (OHR) CHILVERS Peter, Exhumations Officer BRODERICK William, Exhumations Officer (attended 24 September 1999) CELEBIC Amra, Assistant Exhumations Coordinator

Other Witnesses, labourers, drivers and backhoe operator; International Police Task

Force (IPTF) Representatives; Stabilization Force (SFOR.) Representatives; CORLETT Ken, Investigator, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY; attended 28 September 1999); SCHRAMM - EVANS Zoe, Dr. British Author (attended 28 September 1999).

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 2


NARRATIVE

Below are brief descriptions of operations at the sites. All site grid coordinates were determined using a hand-held 'Eagle Explorer' Global Positioning System (GPS) Unit.

Part A

23 September 1999

The exhumation team investigated three sites in the area of Visoko.

SITE DESCRIPTION - SITE 1

Site Name: Lokve Cemetery

Topographic Map Visoko, Sheet 2782 IV, Edition 7-DMA, Series M709, Scale 1:50,000, Horizontal Datum WGS 84, grid coordinate 34T BP 748 519 (Figure 1). The site is accessed via Highway 17 approximately 17 km northwest of Sarajevo where a gravel quarry identifies the route of 2.5 km of gravel road to the cemetery.

The area of investigation was located within the boundary of Kovaci Lokve Cemetery within the; municipality of Visoko. An area of disturbed ground surface between two formal double interments represented it. The engraving 'SARENAC identified the monument of the grave south west of the area. On the grave to the northeast, the name 'CAVIC was engraved on a monument adjacent to an additional fallen monument on which the identifying features could not be determined. An immature tree grew between the formal graves.

The cemetery, situated on the crest of a hill, contained both Christian and Muslim burials. The formal graves were aligned north south and it was observed that many had been recently attended.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly those of an elderly female whose death is related to an incident that took place in 1992. Unknown persons buried the body. Authorities were notified after a cemetery gardener found evidence of the grave.

Initially, crime scene officers identified the area measuring 0.7 m x 2.20 m, which was then taped and photographed with a site identification name and number. A portion of a bleached skull was exposed in the northwestern aspect of the area.

Using garden tools, labourers cleared vegetation from the ground surface of the identified area (Photos 1 and 2). Approximately 5 cm of soil was carefully lifted to expose skeletonized human remains and associated fragmented clothing. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural material.

The remains which had lain in a supine position on a wooden ladder (Photo 3) were lifted by labourers and placed in a body bag identified by the date, site name and number. The PHR Consultant assisted by recovering the smaller skeletal elements of



the hands from the soil matrix before the wooden ladder was recovered and placed in the body bag with the recovered human remains.

The PHR Consultant identified the remains as those of an elderly female.

PROCESS EVALUATION

Because of the shallow deposition of this burial, the remains and associated cultural items were recovered quickly and efficiently.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the recovery. As there was no pathologist present on site, the PHR Consultant was able to assist with the recovery of smaller skeletal elements and a request was made for the PHR Consultant to determine the sex of the individual.

MAP and PHOTOGRAPHIC FILE

Figure 1 is a map of the exhumation site reported here. Photo nos. 1, 2 and 3 are the photographs cited in this report.

A photographic record of the recovery was compiled and is filed separately, Film no. GH99-6726.


Site Name: TARCIN

Topographic Map Visoko, Sheet 2782 IV, Edition 7--DMA, Series M709, Scale 1:50,000, Horizontal Datum WGS 84, grid coordinate 34T BP 658 530 (Figure 2). Site access is via Highway 17 approximately 23 km northwest of Sarajevo.

The area of investigation was located within the boundary of Tarcin Cemetery in the municipality of Visoko.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly those of an adult male who died in a prison camp and is buried in the Tarcin Cemetery. Witness information suggests that a grave marker identifies the burial.

The site of investigation was located in a grassy area in close proximity to a cemetery boundary fence. There were no formal graves in this area.

The attending RS investigative team members made a limited search of the area suggested to be the location of the enquiry.

After a period of discussion, a decision was made to confirm the identity of the area with a witness and to return to the site on another occasion.



PROCESS EVALUATION

No extensive search of the area was made. Investigators concentrated on the possibility of the recognition of a grave marker. No attempt was made to identify any physical ieatures of the ground surface that may have indicated the presence of a grave in the identified area.


Figure 2 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. No photographs were taken to record this investigation.


Site Name: KOVACI

Topographic Map Visoko, Sheet 2782 IV, Edition 7-DMA, Series M709, Scale 1:50,000, Horizontal Datum WGS 84, grid coordinate 34T BP 826 534 (Figure 3). The site is located approximately 3.5 km northwest of central Sarajevo and is in close proximity to the Kovaci Cemetery.

The area of investigation was located initially within the boundary of Kovadi Cemetery. The cemetery, situated on the crest of a hill, contained both Christian and Muslim burials.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly those of a 30 year old female whose death is related to an incident that took place in 1992. It was understood that unknown persons buried the body within the grounds of the cemetery.

RS Commission members made a physical search of the area of investigation to identify such a grave, marked by a simple timber cross. After discussion with the cemetery management, the area of the search was broadened to include an area outside of the cemetery boundary adjacent to a sports field that had been quarried into the slope of a steep hill. Above the sports field an area of low vegetation fronted a woodland area.

According to the representatives of the Kovaci Cemetery management, a grave was identified on the vegetated slope adjacent to the cemetery during the construction of the sports field. The construction company assisted by cemetery workers exhumed the human remains and relocated the grave further up the slope.

A grave identified by a simple wooden cross was located by crime scene technicians and other workers after a search of the slope area adjacent to the woodland above the sports field was made (Photos 4 and 5).

Initially, crime scene officers identified an area of disturbed ground surface measuring 0.9 m x 2.20 m which was then photographed with a site identification name and number.



Using garden tools, labourers excavated approximately 40 cm of red-brown earth to expose rough timber planks which were placed over white plastic sheeting which shrouded skeletonized human remains and associated fragmented clothing. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural material (Photo 6).

The remains contained within the plastic sheeting were lifted by labourers and placed in a body bag identified by the date, site name and number.

The PHR Consultant was requested to assist by examining the recovered skeletal elements to determine the sex of the individual and to observe any visible signs of peri mortem trauma.

The PHR Consultant identified the remains to be those of an adult female. An observation was also made of a peri mortem wound to the skull. This was represented by a small circular perforation with radiating linear fractures, located in the anterior portion of the squamous portion of the right temporal bone (Photo 7). Extensive fracturing of the left temporal bone extending across the frontal bone as a linear fracture was also noted (Photo 8).

PROCESS EVALUATION

The remains and associated cultural items were recovered quickly and efficiently.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the recovery. As there was no pathologist present on site, the PHR Consultant was able to assist with a determinaition of the sex of the individual and to note any features suggestive of peri mortem trauma.


Figure 3 is a map of the exhumation site reported here. Photo nos. 4-8 are the photographs cited in this report.




PartB

23 September 1999

The exhumation team investigated two sites in the suburban area of Dobrinja, Sarajevo.


Site Name: Dobrinja II

Topographic Map Sarajevo, Sheet 2782 I, Edition 9-DMA, Series M709, Scale 1:50,000, Horizontal Datum WGS 84, grid coordinate 34T BP 865 558 (Figure 4). The site is accessed via paved suburban roads.

The area of investigation was located within a courtyard area of a housing estate and directly adjacent to an underground car park. A grassy area separating the boundary of the car park from an unpaved walkway was the identified location of two graves that were marked by timber crosses.

The timber crosses were identified with the name of the deceased, year of birth and death and the date of burial. These were recorded as follows:

Dobrinja II - 1; 1934 - 1992 October 12/14 Dobrinja II - 2; 1926 - 1992 October 12/14

The human remains which are the subject of these investigations are reportedly of those whose death is related to an incident that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that the families had requested the exhumations in order to clarify the cause or manner of death by post mortem examination.

Initially, crime scene officers identified the graves that were photographed with a site identification name and number.

Using garden tools, labourers cleared vegetation from the ground surface of the identified area (Photos 9). The graves were excavated and the remains exhumed sequentially.

Dobrinja II - 1: Approximately 1.10 m of soil was excavated to expose the lid of a timber coffin. The lid was lifted to expose skeletonized human remains and associated fragmented clothing, which were found to be wrapped in a rug. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural material. The remains and identifying timber cross was then recovered by labourers and secured in a body bag (Photo 10).

Dobrinja II - 2: Approximately 1.20 m of soil was excavated to expose the lid of a timber coffin. The lid was lifted to expose skeletonized human remains, adipocere and associated clothing. The contents of the coffin were observed to be wrapped in a rug. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural



material. The remains and identifying timber cross was then recovered by labourers and secured in a body bag (Photo 11).

PROCESS EVALUATION

Because the location of these burials was clearly identified and the remains were contained within timber coffins, the recoveries were conducted efficiently and with dignity.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the recoveries. There was no pathologist present on site, however as the identity of the deceased persons were known to the recovery team, the PHR Consultant was not required to assist with any physical identification of the remains.


Figure 4 is a map of the exhumation site reported here. Photo nos. 9, 10 and 11 are the photographs cited in this report.



Site Name: Dobrinja III (a)


The area of investigation was located on the corner of a grassy common area of a housing estate where a timber cross identified with the name of the deceased, year of birth, death and the date of burial. These were recorded as follows: Dobrinja III (a); 1953 - 1992. The grave had been recently attended (Photo 12).

The human remains which are the subject of these investigations are reportedly of an adult female whose death is related to an incident that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that the family had requested the exhumation in order to clarify the cause or manner of death by post mortem examination.

Initially, crime scene officers identified the grave that was photographed with a site identification name and number.

Using garden tools, labourers cleared vegetation from the ground surface of the identified area. Approximately 1.0 m of red-brown moist clay soil was excavated to expose the masonite lid of a timber coffin. The lid was lifted to expose skeletonized human remains and associated fragmented clothing which, were wrapped in grey plastic sheeting (Photo 9). Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and



associated cultural material. The remains and identifying timber cross was then recovered by labourers and secured in a body bag.

PROCESS EVALUATION

Because the location of this burial was clearly identified and the remains were contained within timber coffins, the recovery was conducted efficiently and with dignity.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the recovery. There was no pathologist present on site, however as the identity of the deceased person was known to the recovery team, the PHR Consultant was not required to assist with any physical identification of the remains.


Figure 4 is a map of the exhumation site reported here. Photo nos. 12 and 13 are the photographs cited in this report.


24 September 1999

The exhumation team investigated two sites within the area of Sarajevo. The first area of investigation was at Notak Cemetery and the second in suburban Dobrinja.


Site Name: Notak Cemetery


The sites of investigation were located within a formal cemetery situated on a north-south slope and directly adjacent to a primary school.. Vegetable gardens, private homes and apartments were to be found around the wider perimeter of the landscape. A grassy area approximately 10 m wide and pathway separated two of the graves (1 and 3) under consideration from the eastern boundary fence of the cemetery. The third grave (2) was adjacent to the southern boundary fenceline. The cemetery contained both Christian and Muslim burials.

Wooden crosses identified Graves's nos. 1 and 2. A concrete grave surround and a small black granite monument identified grave No. 3. All of the graves faced east. The timber crosses and stone monument were identified with the name of the deceased, year of birth and death and the date of burial.



The huirain remains which are the subject of these investigations are reportedly of those whose deaths are related to incidents that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that the families had requested the exhumations in order to clarify the cause or manner of death by post mortem examination.

Initially, crime scene officers identified the graves that were photographed with a site identification name and number (Photo 14).

Using garden tools, labourers cleared vegetation from the surface of the identified graves (Photo 15). The graves were excavated and the remains exhumed sequentially.

Notok Cemetery - 1: Approximately 1.0 m of soil was excavated to expose the lid of a timber plank coffin. The lid was lifted to expose skeletonized human remains and associated clothing. The remains were wrapped in a rug. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural material. The remains and identifying timber cross were then recovered by labourers and secured in a body bag.

Notok Cemetery - 2: Approximately 1.2 m of soil was excavated to expose the lid of a timber plank coffin. The lid was lifted to expose skeletonized human remains, moist products of decomposition and associated clothing. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural material (Photo 15). The remains and identifying timber cross were then recovered by labourers and secured in a body bag.

Notok Cemetery - 3 (Photo 17): Approximately 1.0 m of soil was excavated to expose a split timber coffin lid. The coffin was constructed of plywood that was braced with a metal strap. The lid was lifted to expose skeletonized human remains, moist products of decomposition and associated clothing. Crime scene officers photographed the in situ remains and associated cultural material. The remains and identifying timber cross were then recovered by labourers and secured in a body bag. The recovered remains of the three burials are shown in Photo no. 18.

The PHR Consultant was approached by RS Commission members to identify any obvious peri mortem trauma and to identify the sex of the individuals. The PHR Consultant quickly examined the remains of all three recoveries. The remains of recoveries 1 and 2 were adult males; the third recovery was that of an adult female. All three craniums demonstrated peri mortem trauma.

PROCESS EVALUATION

Because the location of these burials was clearly identified and the remains were contained within timber coffins, the recoveries were conducted efficiently and with dignity. The recovery team knew the identities of the deceased persons.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the recoveries. There was no pathologist present on site and the PHR Consultant was asked to assist with the physical identification of the remains. Little time was afforded for this task.



MAP and! PHOTOGRAPHIC FILE

Figure 4 is a map of the exhumation site reported here. Photo nos. 14 - 18 are the photographs cited in this report.

A photographic record of the recovery was compiled and is filed separately, Film nos. GH99-6726 and GH99-7028.


Site Name: Unknown, in proximity to Dobrinja II


The area of investigation was located within a courtyard area of a housing estate and directly adjacent to an underground car park in close proximity to the Dobrinja II site. A grassy area separating the western boundary of the car park from a paved walkway was the identified location of the investigation (Photo 19).

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly of a person whose death is related to an incident that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that the brother of the victim had requested the exhumation in order to clarify the cause or manner of death by post mortem examination. It was reported that the brother of the deceased believes that a grave is located in this area. The deceased was hospitalized in the Dobrinja Hospital with war wounds during 1992 and following his death was buried at this location.

Initially, crime scene officers identified the area of investigation that was later photographed with a site identification name and number..

Using garden tools, labourers cleared vegetation from the ground surface of the identified area and excavated an exploratory trench.

Fragments of timber, a latex glove, glass jar and a red plastic rosebud were recovered from the trench. These items were assumed by the RS Commission team to be evidence of a disturbed grave from which persons unknown had exhumed the remains at some earlier time. The evidence was collected in plastic bags and photographed with the site details.

Labourers excavated an extension of the trench. No human remains or other evidence of a burial were identified. The investigating team extended the ground search to other areas around the perimeter of the car park. No evidence of a grave was identified.

A decision was made by the investigating team to clarify the details of the burial with next of kin and to facilitate a check of hospital records before further investigation of the grave of the deceased continues.



PROCESS EVALUATION

Because the location of this burial was clearly ill-defined or otherwise unidentified, the investigating team were unable to locate it. The PHR Consultant is of the opinion that every reasonable effort was maide to establish the location given the paucity of available data.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the process of investigation and the evidence that was recovered was clearly identified and secured for collection.


Figure 5 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. Photo no. 19 is the photograph cited in this report.

A photographic record of the investigation was compiled and is filed separately, Film no. GH99-7028.

28 September 1999

The exhumation team investigated three sites within the area of Sarajevo. The first area of investigation was in the municipality of Novi Grad, the second at the Alpasina Bridge within the urban city area and the third area was at a location identified as Dobrinja 5.


Site Name: Novi Grad


The site of investigation was located in a grassy area adjacent to and in front of a partly destroyed apartment block and was opposite the airport runway on Airport Road.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly of those whose deaths are related to incidents that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that they were following a lead from a witness statement. The expected number of human remains is unknown.

Initially, crime scene officers identified the area of investigation, which measured 7 m x 12 m. It was taped and photographed with a site identification name and number by crime scene technicians (Photo 20).

Using garden tools, labourers cleared vegetation from the surface of the identified area until a backhoe arrived (Photo 21). Ten exploratory trenches were excavated. Excavation of the trenches showed that the area had been used as a land fill. The

PHYSICIANS/cv HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 12


profile of all trenches clearly demonstrated a soil - domestic rubbish matrix with undisturbed moist red-brown sediment at a depth of 1.4 m (Photo 22).

The team members and the PHR Consultant monitored the process. No human remains or other features suggesting a burial were demonstrated.

Mr. Amor Masovic visited the site and had discussions with RS Commission team members during the proceedings.

PROCESS EVALUATION

Because the location of this burial was clearly ill-defined or otherwise unidentified, the investigating team were unable to locate it. The PHR Consultant is of the opinion that every reasonable effort was made to establish the location given the paucity of available data.

Crime scene officers maintained a photographic record of the process of investigation.


Figure 5 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. Photo nos. 20 - 22 are the photographs cited in this report.



Site Name: Alipasino Bridge


The site of investigation was located on the riverbank and adjacent to the southwestern corner of the Alipasino Bridge within urban Sarajevo (Photo 23).

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly of those whose deaths are related to incidents that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that they were following a lead from a witness statement. The expected number of human remains is unknown; however, an RS Commission member gave the following statement to the PHR Consultant:

'Witnesses have stated that about sixteen bodies were thrown from a mini bus at this location. We have a photograph of one body that can be used to reconstruct the face. He was a public figure. Someone has to answer.'

Information from the RS Commission members indicates that other areas adjacent to the bridge on either side of the waterway have been investigated previously.



Several exploratory trenches were excavated in the designated area. No human remains or other evidence suggesting a burial was identified. (Photo 24).

The team members and the PHR Consultant monitored the process.

PROCESS EVALUATION

Because the location of this burial was clearly ill-defined or otherwise unidentified, the investigating team were unable to locate it. The PHR Consultant is of the opinion that a reasonable effort was made to establish the location given the paucity of available data.



Figure 5 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. Photo nos. 23 and 24 are the photographs cited in this report.



Site Name: Dobrinja 5


The site of investigation was located on a vacant allotment adjacent to a car park within suburban Sarajevo.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly of those whose deaths are related to incidents that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that on the occasion of a pre-visit in June/July 1999 several graves with markers were identified at this locaition. Persons unknown have removed the grave markers. This investigation was conducted to confirm the exhumation of human remains from the site.

Several exploratory trenches were excavated in the designated area (Photo 25). The sediment was an admixture of landfill and clayey soil (Photo 26). The excavations revealed evidence of at least two interments at this site. The framework of an empty timber coffin (Photo 27) was exposed as well as timber fragments. Other evidence included latex gloves and clothing items that were present in the exposed trenches. Items were collected by crime scene officers and photographed (Photo 28).

A return visit and further exploratory trenches were excavated on 29 September 1999. No definitive evidence was recorded or collected on this occasion.



The team members and the PHR Consultant monitored the process.

PROCESS EVALUATION

The approach to the excavation of the trenches was observed to be haphazard; however, the location of the previously identified burials was clearly ill-defined or otherwise unidentified. The PHR Consultant is of the opinion that a reasonable effort was made to establi sh the location given the paucity of available data.


During the process of the second day of investigation the PHR Consultant was asked to comment on the nature of the soil located at the base of the trenches and in association with the level of the in situ coffin. It was explained to RS team members that this was a gley clay and a brief explanation of its occurrence was offered. RS team members were not satisfied with the PHR Consultant's explanation and subsequently; soil samples were taken for analysis at the University. In particular, one RS team member insisted that the occurrence of a grey layer of sediment was consistent with the presence of a mass grave.


Figure 5 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. Photo nos. 25 - 28 are the photographs cited in this report.


29 September 1999

The exhumation team investigated three sites within the area of Sarajevo. The first area of investigation was in the municipality of Dobrinja; the second was at a location identified as Humbrdo.


Site Name: Dobrinja C


The site of investigation was located on a grassy common allotment central and adjacent to apartment blocks within suburban Sarajevo. Timber crosses identified several marked graves in the area.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly of those whose deaths are related to incidents that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that the aim on this occasion was to exhume unmarked graves in this area. The remains of at least 12 persons from this area are sought.



Several exploratory trenches were excavated in the designated area (Photo 29).

The team members and the PHR Consultant monitored the process. No human remains or other evidence of burials was identified.

A second location in close proximity to the grassy common was investigated. It was located at the following grid coordinate BP 864 559.

Labourers using hand tools excavated an exploratory trench to expose a disturbed and empty grave. Timber Muslim grave markers were found within the trench. The inscription read Ornerovic Nedeib 1950 - 1992 (Photos 30 and 31). The trench was refilled.

PROCESS EVALUATION

The approach to the excavation of the trenches was observed to be haphazard; however, the location of the burials was unidentified. The PHR Consultant is of the opinion that a reasonable effort was made to establish the location given the paucity of available data.



Figure 5 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. Photo nos. 29-31 are the photographs cited in this report.



Site Name: Humbrdo

Topographic Map Sarajevo, Sheet 2782 I, Edition 9-DMA, Series M709, Scale 1:50,000, Horizontal Datum WGS 84, grid coordinate 34T BP 894 602 (Figure 5). The site is accessed via paved suburban roads before following a dirt foot track across a semi rural landscape.

The site of investigation was located on the dirt pathway.

The human remains which are the subject of this investigation are reportedly of a person whose death is related to an incident that took place in 1992. The RS Commission stated that the aim on this occasion was to locate and exhume an unmarked grave in this area. The remains of one person from this area are sought. An informant statement suggests that a person was buried on the pathway in 1992. The grave: was adjacent to wild blackberry bushes growing along the edge of the path.

Labourers excavated two exploratory trenches were excavated in the designated area.



The team members and the PHR Consultant monitored the process. No human remains or other evidence of a burial was identified (Photo 32).

PROCESS EVALUATION

The approach to the excavation of the trenches was observed to be haphazard; however, the location of the burial was unidentified. The PHR Consultant is of the opinion that a reasonable effort was made to establish the location given the paucity of available data. RS Commission members resolved to bring the witness to the site on the following day. The PHR Consultant is of the understanding that a return visit to the site on the following day again had negative results.


News reporters and Mr. Amor Masovic were present at the site during part of the investigation. A heated discussion between Federation Commission members followed the RS Commission's reporting of events. The OHR Exhumations Officer who was present, however, mediated the discussions between the parties; Mr. Masovic's presence on site was clearly disruptive to the investigative process.


Figure 5 is a map of the site of investigation reported here. Photo no. 32 is the photograph cited in this report.


PHYSICIANS/o/- HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 17


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Topographic Map

Edition: 9 - DMA Series: M709

Sheet: Sarajevo - 2782 I

Scale: 1: 50,000

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•w^mmmm^^mmmmM INVESTIGATIONS IN THE AREA OF SARAJEVO

FIGURE 5



Photo 1. Looking west, labourers clearing vegetation from the identified Lokve Site.

Photo 2. The identified Lokve grave cleared of ground cover with bleached skull and blanket exposed.



Photo 3. Wooden stepladder located under the human remains.

Photo 4. RS team members searching for the KovaCi burial. The perimeter of the quarried sports field in view.



Photo 5. The identified Kova£i burial.

Photo 6. The in situ KovaCi burial including the identification of the site name, no. and date.



Photo 7. Right lateral skull with circular peri mortem injury identified.

Photo 8. Left lateral skull with peri mortem injury identified.



Photo 9. Labourers commencing excavation at the site of Dobrinja II - 1 and Dobrinja II - 2.

Photo 10. Dobrinja II - 1: The recovered human remains and associated cultural items.



Photo 11. Dobrinja II - 2 The recovered human remains and associated cultural items.

Photo 12. The grave identified as Dobrinja III (a).



Photo 13. The exposed in situ remains wrapped in plastic sheeting.

Photo 14. Crime scene technicians identifying the graves under investigation.



Photo 15. Preliminary exhumation process in progress.

Photo 16. The in situ human remains of recovery no. 2.



Photo 17. Identified grave no. 3.

Photo 18. The recovered human remains and cultural material from graves 1,2 and 3 Notok Cemetery.



Photo 19. Dobrinja II-area of investigation.

Photo 20. The identified Novi Grad site of investigation.



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Photo 21. Backhoe exploratory trench excavation in progress with visible domestic rubbish in view.

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Photo 22. An example of exploratory trench soil profile with compact undisturbed clay substrate.



Photo 23. The Alipasno Bridge site - looking west.

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Photo 24. The excavation of an exploratory trench at the Alipasno Bridge site with RS team and public observers.



Photo 25. Excavation of an exploratory trench at the Dobrinja 5 site.

Photo 26. Exposure of an empty timber coffin at the Dobrinja site.



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Photo 27. Evidence collection with ID no.

Photo 28. Evidence of haphazard exploratory trench excavation.



Photo 29. Excavation of exploratory trenches at Dobrinja site 5.

Photo 30. Exposure of a timber Muslim grave marker.



Photo 31. Inscription on exposed timber Muslim grave marker.

Photo 32. Discussion in progress at the Humbrdo site.


CONSULTANT REPORT #1999 - C&°]

INTERNAL DOCUMENT

PHYSICIANS for

HUMAN RIGHTS

^NS

SLA

FORENSIC ASSISTANCE PROJECT

Consultant Report 1999-069

Sarajevo II

Republika Srpska Commission on Tracing Prisoners and Missing Persons 13-22 October 1999

Geraldine Hodgson Forensic Consultant

Forensic Assistance Project Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina

December 1999

Physicians for Human Rights 100 Boylston Street, Suite 702 Boston, MA 02116 USA Tel. (617) 695-0041 Fax. (617) 695-0307 Email: [email protected] http://www.phrusa.org

Physicians for Human Rights Hasana Kaimije br. 11

71000 Sarajevo Bosna i Hercegovina Tel: 387-71-232-941

Fax: 387-71-233-767

Financed with support of International Commission on Missing Persons

ICMP International Commission

on Missing Persons

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.phrusa.org

SARAJEVO II REPORT

Figure 1. Site locations (arrow indicates both cemeteries).

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, December 1999 3

SARAJEVO II REPORT

Photo 1. Lav Cemetery.

Photo 2. Dr. Karan examines skull from Lav Cemetery grave.

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, December 1999

SARAJEVO II REPORT

Photo 3. Coffin in St. Marko Cemetery grave.

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Photo 4. Mass grave in Lav Cemetery.


SARAJEVO II REPORT

Photo 5. Close-up of wrap around face of individual recovered from Lav Cemetery.

Photo 6. Dr. Karan and laborers at work in Lav Cemetery mass grave.


n human for 1» s forensic assistance project · a photographic record of the recovery was compiled...

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