PHYSICIANS

for
HUMAN
RIGHTS

FORENSIC ASSISTANCE P R O J E C T

Consultant Report 1999-054

Focal

Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Bosniak Side

13 September - 10 November 1999

Debra Komar, Ph.D.

Forensic Consultant
Forensic Assistance Project
Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
November 1999

Physicians for Human Rights Physicians for Human Rights

100 Boylston Street, Suite 702 Hasana Kaimije br. 11
Boston, MA 02116 USA 71000 Sarajevo
Tel. (617)695-0041 Bosna i Hercegovina
Fax. (617)695-0307 Tel: 387-71-232-941
Email: phrusa@phrusa.org Fax: 387-71-233-767
http://www.phrusa.org

Financed with support of International Commission on Missing Persons

ICMP
International Commission
on Missing Persons
 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Summary of Events

From September 13 through November 10, 1999, the Federation Commission on Missing
Persons - Bosniak Side investigated a total of 57 sites near the town of Foca and exhumed a
minimum of 83 individuals. The bodies were recovered from burned houses, single, double
and mass graves and collections of surface remains. The Commission also repeatedly
searched for a mass grave, suspected of containing in excess of two hundred people, but was
unsuccessful.

A Forensic Consultant from Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) attended six days of
previsits to the area and was present for 14 days of exhumations. The author participated in
the recovery of remains at eight sites.

No information regarding postmortem examinations of these remains was available at the

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

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 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Participants and Observers (not inclusive)

Federation Commission on Missing Persons - Bosniak Side

KOSO Sejid Member, Sarajevo
DRAGANOVIC Kemal Member, Sarajevo
BAZDAREVIC Izet Judge, Sarajevo
HADZIC Ibrahim Judge, Sarajevo
BESIC Sejid Crime Inspector, Sarajevo
TARIC Ermin Crime Inspector, Sarajevo
SARIC Zaim Crime Inspector, Sarajevo
DOBPACA Dr. Ijijas Forensic Pathologist
HRNJIC Saudin Pathology Assistant
ARNAUTOVIC Hikmet Prosecutor
STRIFE Mirsad Prosecutor
BECIROVIC Adis Sarajevo Cantonal Police
DZELILOVIC Mirsad Sarajevo Cantonal Police
MUHAREM Sindra Sarajevo Cantonal Police
Laborers Visiko

Republika Srpska Commission on Tracing Prisoners and Missing Persons

SKRBA Slobodan Member
AVLIJAS Slobodan Member
RADOVIC Zoran Crime Inspector
BODIROGA Zeljko Crime Inspector
Local police

Physicians for Human Rights

KOMAR Dr. Debra Forensic Consultant, Sarajevo
STUART Dr. Gary Forensic Consultant, Sarajevo (Oct. 25 only)
TORLAKOVIC Azur Field Assistant, Sarajevo
H. JASARAGIC Edin Field Assistant, Sarajevo

Office of the High Representative

BRODERICK Cpt. Bill Exhumations Officer, Sarajevo
KOEHL S.C.P.O. Knud Exhumations Officer, Sarajevo

International Police Task Force

PRADEEP Monga (India), IPTF Foca
GARBONE Ignazio (Italy), IPTF Foca
GOVINDA Po (Thailand), IPTF Foca
SHAABAH Mohamed IPTF Foca
KULJUH Adnan Translator, IPTF Foca
MENSAH AVISEY Thomas IPTF Foca
SINGH Kulbir IPTF Foca

Site Description

A total of 57 sites were investigated during the 14 days of exhumation. A summary of the
sites, identified by number in chronological order, is provided in Table 1. The date of

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 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

exhumation, site name, grid co-ordinates and reference map information is also included in
Table 1. Topographic maps indicating site locations are provided in Figures 1 through 4.

Site 1 was a suspected mass grave believed to contain over 200 individuals. The search for
this grave focused on a large field to the south of a gravel access road near a coal mine (Photo
1). The search was later extended to include the north side of the access road, which was
covered with mounds of gravel and building debris.

Sites 11, 20, 30 and 35 were graves containing multiple individuals. Site 11 was a grass field
to the north of a rural cemetery and consisted of one triple grave and a separate single grave
in close proximity. Site 20 was located in a riparian zone 3 kilometers from the main road in
the village of Ratine. A mass grave containing eight individuals was located on a grass field
5 meters east of a stream, with a single grave 5 meters to the northeast. Site 30 was a mass
grave containing seven individuals, located in the yard adjacent to a destroyed house. Site 35
was a triple unmarked grave located at the edge of rural village cemetery.

Site 3, 9, 23, 28, 40 and 43 were double graves of manual construction. All six sites were in
rural locations adjacent to destroyed homes. Site 27 was a double grave and single grave
(separated by 1.5 meters) at the edge of an isolated grazed field.

Of the 57 sites in this report, 30 were single graves of manual construction. Details of these
graves are provided in Table 2, including site number and description, grave depth and
treatment and general observations.

The remaining 15 sites involved surface deposited remains. Sites 14, 19, 33, 41 and 49 were
single individuals in lightly wooded areas. Sites 36 and 55 involved collections of surface
scattered and naturally buried bones representing multiple individuals. Both sites were
located immediately adjacent to destroyed rural homes. Site 15 was a destroyed utility shed
containing the commingled remains of two individuals. Two individuals were also recovered
from site 37, with skeletal elements scattered across a lightly wooded slope. Three
individuals were recovered from a lightly wooded ravine at site 48; two were surface
deposited while the third was exhumed from a single grave.

Five sites (2, 10, 42, 51 and 53) consisted of destroyed rural houses containing the burned
remains of multiple individuals.

Site Histories

All individuals recovered from the Foca region were reportedly killed in 1992. The 200
individuals believed to be in the mass grave at site 1 were killed in May and June, 1992, and
were from the towns of Foca, Miljevina and Kalinovik.

PHR Consultant Dr. Debra Komar attended the previsits of 64 sites over six days (October 4,
6, 8, 18 and November 5 and 9). Information regarding the site histories was obtained from
witness statements or the Federation Commission during the previsit or exhumation process.
A summary of site histories and the suspected identities of the decedents recovered (where
known) is provided in Appendix A.

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 3

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Exhumation Process and Condition of Remains

Despite thorough searches and the digging of numerous test pits, no remains were found at
sites 1,2,7,9, 10, 16 and 26.

With the exception of site 1, which employed a backhoe, all burials were excavated using
shovels and pickaxes. All followed standard archaeological methods. Details of the
exhumations of single graves are provided in Table 2.

Double graves were encountered at five sites (sites 3, 23, 27, 28, 40 and 43). Site 3, a
manually constructed grave 0.4 meters deep, contained the skeletal remains of two women.
Both were fully dressed in civilian clothing (Photo 2). One of the women was reportedly
pregnant and an examination of the pelvic cavity of body #2 revealed evidence of possible
fetal remains and an oxidized bullet (Photo 3). A gold earring and necklace were also
recovered with body #2.

Site 23 contained two partly disarticulated skeletonized individuals at a depth of 0.4 meters
(Photo 18). Both were wrapped in a single blanket and each was dressed in civilian clothing.

Site 28 was a secondary burial (0.3 meters in depth) of the commingled skeletonized remains
of two males. The remains included two right distal tibiae of discernibly different sizes. The
remains were; highly fragmentary and many elements showed considerable postmortem
animal damage and evidence of burning. A pocket watch, scraps of socks and pants, and a
dental plate with gold teeth were also recovered. The PHR Consultant participated in the
recovery and differentiated the commingled remains.

Site 40 contained the skeletonized remains of two males dressed in civilian clothing (Photo
32). The grave was of manual construction and was 0.7 meters in depth.

Site 43 was a manually constructed grave (0.4 meters in depth) containing the skeletal
remains of two males (Photo 37). Both were dressed in civilian clothing. A bullet was
recovered from the grave and both skulls were fragmentary.

Site 27 consisted of a single grave and a double grave 1.5 meters apart; (Photo 21). One skull
was recovered on the surface and appeared to belong to the individual in the single grave.
Two skulls were recovered in the double grave.

All remains were skeletonized and civilian clothing was associated with all three individuals.
The bodies in the double grave (0.8 meters in depth) were wrapped in a blanket and plastic.
The single grave (0.5 meters in depth) contained a rudimentary wooden coffin.

There were five locations involving graves with multiple individuals (sites 11, 20, 30 and 35).
The initial se2irch of site 11 produced no remains. The team returned to the site and exhumed
two graves - a single grave (Photo 7) and a triple grave (Photo 6). The single grave was 0.5
meters in depth and contained a male in civilian clothing wrapped in a blanket. The triple
grave was 1 meter in depth. The three individuals were in civilian clothing and had been
wrapped in plastic. Wooden boards separated the bodies.

Site 20 also contained a multiple grave and a single grave in close proximity. Eight
individuals were exposed side-by-side at a depth of 0.2 meters (Photos 15 and 16). All were

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 4

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

dressed in civilian clothing; no other body wrapping were evident. The Federation
Commission returned three days later to recover a ninth individual from a single grave of
manual construction. The skeletonized remains were uncovered at a depth of 0.9 meters and
were fully dressed in civilian clothing (Photo 17).

Site 30 was a mass grave with seven individuals. The overburden of the grave contained a
large amount of household refuse. At a depth of 0.2 meters, the laborers unearthed a layer of
roofing tiles placed over a series of pipe dividers. Removal of this layer revealed seven
bodies laying side-by-side (Photo 23). All were in civilian clothing and the heads of bodies
#4 and #7 had been wrapped. The empty grave was 0.5 meters in depth and appeared to be
of manual construction.

Site 35 was a triple grave of manual construction and a depth of 0.4 meters. It contained the
remains of three women, designated as RAT #11 through #13 (Photo 30). All were fully
dressed in civilian clothing and body #11 retained a pair of eyeglasses in situ (Photo 31).
Preliminary examination of the remains at the site indicated all three had been shot in the
head.

Sites 14, 15, 19, 33, 36, 37, 48, 49 and 55 involved the recovery of surface remains.
Recovery tedbniques consisted of thorough searches of the area, marking all remains with
flags, followed by the excavation of the area to ensure no buried remains. Sites 14, 19, 33,
41, and 49 contained a single set of remains concentrated in a defined area. Site 15 consisted
of two individuals in a destroyed shed. There was some commingling of remains where the
bodies overlapped (Photo 10). Site 37 was a steep embankment where the remains of two
women were discovered. The weathered skeletal remains of the older woman were scattered
across the embankment (body #9, Photo 28), while the thorax of the younger woman had
been covered by a thin layer of sediment and leaf litter at the base of the hill (body #10, Photo
29). The complete skull of body #9 was discovered in the ravine at the base of the
embankment, while the fragmentary skull of #10 was found scattered at the top of the hill.

Sites 36 and 55 both involved the recovery of multiple individuals, initially surface deposited,
then naturally buried by a thin layer of soil. In both cases, the remains were recovered
immediately adajacent to a destroyed rural home. The team initially discovered four sets of
innominates in tall grass at site 36. Further searches revealed several femora and tibae in the
surrounding area and two femora 10 meters to the north. Shallow excavation of the area
between the dwelling ;ind the gravel roadway unearthed hundreds of disarticulated skeletal
elements. Preliminary attempts to separate individuals at the scene (Photo 27) produced a
minimum of eight individuals, but more are believed present. Site 55 also had numerous
skeletal elements scattered on the surface around the house foundation. Shallow excavation
of two areas revealed additional skeletal elements. A total of three skulls were recovered, but
four unmatched innominates indicated that the minimum number of individuals at the site.

Three individuals were recovered from site 48, two of which were surface deposits while the
third was exhumed from an unmarked grave. The remains of body #1 were removed from a
manually dug grave, 0.5 meters in depth. The skeletonized remains were wrapped in a
blanket and fully dressed in civilian clothing (Photo 44). The surface remains were scattered
throughout the ravine and hillside. Two skulls were recovered; one at the top of the hill and
one in a field below the ravine. Attempts were made at the site to differentiate the remains
into two individuals, designated body #2 (Photo 42) and #3 (Photo 43).

PHYSICIANS/br HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 5

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Some civilian style clothing was found in association with surface remains at all sites. All
remains were fully skeletonized and many showed evidence of postmortem animal damage.
The PHR Consultant assisted in the recovery and in separating the remains at sites 15, 36, 37,
48 and 55.

At three locations, (sites 42, 51 and 53) the Federation Commission recovered the burned
remains of multiple individuals from destroyed houses. Site 42 was a large dwelling in the
village of Jelec. The laborers removed all the rubble from both areas of the house and dug
test trenches through the ash and soil that filled the foundation. When human remains were
discovered in one room, the ash was sifted through a screen (Photo 33). The bulk of remains
were discovered under a set of bedsprings. Two large knives (Photo 34) were discovered in
close association with the bedsprings (Photo 35). Although two people were reported to have
been in the house, preliminary examination of remains at the site indicated only one
individual was recovered.

Site 51 included a destroyed home and a refuse fire pit immediately adjacent. The majority
of remains were recovered from the fire pit, although unburned skeletal elements were
discovered scattered throughout the scene. Remains consistent with three females (confirmed
by the recovery of two right and one unmatched left innominates) were collected. The ash
from the refuse pit was screened and seven shell casings were discovered (Photo 46).

Site 53 was a rubble and dirt filled house foundation in the village of Banjine. Workers dug
test trenches until human remains were located, then screened all loose fill to maximise
recovery. The skeletal elements recovered were extremely fragmentary and completely
calcined. The minimum number of individuals was established by the position of remains
recovered. Three discrete concentrations of remains were found, with no commingling of
elements. Recognisable skeletal elements indicated the relative positions of the bodies
(Photo 48).

The PHR Consultant participated in the recovery at all three sites. No clothing was recovered
at any of the locations.

Postmortem Examination Findings

As of the writing of this report, no information is available from the Federation Commission
regarding the postmortem examination of the remains from these sites. The dates of the
examinations have not yet been determined.

Process Evaluation

The exhumation and investigative teams exhibited professionalism and expertise in all phases
of the recoveries. Under the direction of Dr. Dobraca, recoveries involving multiple
individuals were comprehensive and well executed. Every effort was made to establish the
minimum number of individuals recovered at the scene. Autopsy Assistant Saudin Hrnjic
showed considerable knowledge of anatomy and basic archaeological methods and was
consistently careful and thorough in his recovery of remains. Recoveries of burned remains
were conducted with appropriate care and screens were used when necessary. Adequate
searches were always carried out following the removal of remains to ensure no additional

PHYSICIANS./^ HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 6

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

material could be recovered. Assistance from the PHR Consultant was requested when
necessary, such as sites involving burned or commingled remains.

Appendix A - Site Histories and Identities of Decedents

Sites 2 and 3 - A total of 17 people are reported missing from the village of Mrdenovici,
including a pregnant woman believed buried at site 3. Site 2 was a destroyed house in the
village in which two people had died following the collapse of the burning roof. A witness
had seen human skulls at the location weeks after the deaths had occurred. The Federation
Commission stated that this area was among the first to suffer fatalities during the war. The
relatives of an indicted war criminal reside in the village and the Federation Commission was
cautious and concerned for the safety of the witnesses during the previsit.

Site 5 and 6 - The decedents were reported to be a married couple RAMIZA and JUSUF
KIBRIC. No information was provided as to the circumstances of their deaths.

Site 7 - The witness led the Federation Commission to the old Budanj city cemetery and
indicated a marked grave. The decedent was reported to have been a homicide victim but
there was some concern as to the date of the crime. The Federation Commission was not
convinced that the killing had occurred during the war and decided against exhuming the
individual at this time.

Site 10 - Witness statements indicate that two people were believed to have been lying in two
separate beds on the upper floor when the house was set on fire.

Site 12 - The decedent was an adult male believed killed by Bosnian Serb forces in 1992.
The Bosniak army reportedly searched the wooded area for his body for 16 days before it was
discovered and buried in the ravine.

Site 16 - The decedent is reported to have been an elderly woman born in 1901 and killed in
1992.

Site 27 - According to witness statements, a father and his two sons killed in September 1992
were buried in two graves at this location. The identities of the decedents are reported to be
FADIK FUDO andNASUF BESIREVIC.

Site 28 - The intact body of MURAT OMERAGIC and the partial remains of NAZIF
SULJELIC were brougiht to this area by the witness and buried in a single grave. During the
previsit, the OHR representative expressed concern that the grave looked recently disturbed.
Following examination of the scene, the PHR Consultant offered the opinion that the large
stones covering the grave had been disturbed by bears foraging for food (similar disturbances
in rock formations had been seen throughout the area). The grave itself had been
undisturbed.

Site 29 - In July of 1992, the decedent UZELZ KALOPER had been killed on a nearby road
and was buried by witnesses at the edge of a clearing.

PHYSICIANS/?/- HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 7

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Site 31 - Two civilian women are reported buried in separate graves. One of the women was
born in 1904 and was killed in August 1992. The other decedent is believed to be AVDO
SARAC, born in 1933.

Site 34 - The decedent's body had reportedly lain on the surface for eight days prior to being
buried by the witness's brother in July 1992.

Site 35 - According to witness statements, in July 1992 three elderly women ZADA
SLJIVO, MEJRA SUNDO and FATIMA SUNDO were killed by Bosnian Serb forces while
hiding in a nearby farmhouse. All three had been shot in the head. Neighbours had
discovered the bodies and buried them in a single grave at the edge of the Muslim cemetery.

Site 40 - Two women, RAMIZ OMERAGIC and HAMID SALAKA, were killed and buried
in this location in July 1992.

Site 44 - The decedent ZULIJA BARLOV (born 1949) was killed on June 12, 1992, and
buried near her destroyed home. One of the individuals recovered from site 43 is believed to
have been her husband.

Site 45 - The Federation Commission stated that 30 people are believed to be missing from
the Grabovik area.

Site 47 - Refugees used the trail to escape the fighting in 1992. Witnesses reported seeing
many individuals lying dead along the trail.

Site 51 - The Commission searched for three women reported killed and burned in the house
owned by IBRO ZAMETICA.

Site 52 - One individual was recovered from a single grave adjacent to the home of IZMET
DUBAR.

Site 53 - Three people were reportedly killed and burned in the house of SAHBAZ
MIWATA.

Site 56 - The decedent, an elderly male born in 1904 and killed in 1992, was reportedly the
religious leader of a local mosque.

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 8

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TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF SITE LOCATIONS

SITE DATE SITE NAME TOPO MAP GRID # BODIES MNI

# CO-ORDINATE EXPECTED RECOVERED

1 13.09.99 Miljevina 2882 III Foca 34TCP 104 214 200 + 0

14.09.99
11.10.99
14.10.99
15.10.99

2 14.10.99 Mrdenovici I 2882 III Foca 34T CP 076 238 2 0

3 14.10.99 Mrdenovici II 2882 HI Foca 34T CP 076 238 2 2

4 14.10.99 Miljevina II 2882 III Foca 34T CP 080 240 1

5 15.10.99 Budanj 2882 III Foca 34T CP 105 237 1

6 15.10.99 Budanj II 2882 III Foca 34T CP 104 238 1

7 15.10.99 Budanj cemetery 2882 III Foca 34TCP 109 237 0

8 15.10.99 Mjetviine 2882 III Foca 34TCP078 216 1

9 15.10.99 Mjetvine II 2882 III Foca 34TCP073 214 2 0

10 15.10.99 Ocrkavlje 2882 III Foca 34T CP 085 207 2 0

11 15.10.99 Duskovici 2882 III Foca 34T CP 090 206 4 0

19.10.99 4

12 19.10.99 Kljune 2882 III Foca 34TCP061243 1 1

13 19.10.99 Izbisno 2882 III Foca 34TCP072 231 1 1

14 19.10.99 Gradac 2882 III Foca 34TCP063 219 1 1

15 20.10.99 Lubure 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 057 286 2 2

16 20.10.99 Kratine 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 057 278 1 0

17 20.10.99 Kratine II 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 058 280 1 1

18 20.10.99 Trnjine 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 060 268 2 2

19 20.10.99 Craeta 2882 II Foca 34TCP087 281 1 1

20 25.10.99 Ratine 2881 IV Brod 34TCP062 190 9 8

28.10.99 34TCP061 191 1 1

21 25.10.99 Ratine II 2881 IV Brod 34TCP060 192 1 1

22 25.10.99 Ratine III 2881 IV Brod 34TCP060 192 1 1

23 25.10.99 Ratine IV 2782 II Trnovo 34TCP059 192 2 2

24 25.10.99 Tekijska 2881 IV Brod 34TCP069 187 1 1

25 25.10.99 Tekijska II 2881 IV Brod 34TCP069 187 1 1

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 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

26 25.10.99 Ratine: V 2881 IVBrod 34TCP068 187 1 0

27.10.99 0
29.10.99 0

27 26.10.99 Radomi§lje 2881 IVBrod 34TCP061 135 3 3

28 26.10.99 RadomiSlje II 2881 IVBrod 34TCP069 132 2 2

29 26.10.99 Palez 2781 I Slivlja 34TCP037 116 1 1

30 27.10.99 Ratine: VI 2881 IVBrod 34TCP064 188 7 7

31 27.10.99 Sinice 2881 IVBrod 34TCP063 178 2 2

32 27.10.99 Glavica 2881 IVBrod 34TCP070 184 2 2

33 27.10.99 Selo Gouza 2881 IVBrod 34TCP065 160 1 1

34 27.10.99 Jele5 2881 IVBrod 34TCP071 183 1 0

28.10.99 1

35 28.10.99 Ratine: VII 2881 IVBrod 34TCP068 184 3 0

29.10.99 3

36 28.10.99 Laza 2881 IVBrod 34TCP066 179 11 8 min

37 28.10.99 Laza II 2881 IVBrod 34TCP065 177 1 2

38 29.10.99 Podgaji 2881 IVBrod 34TCP072 177 1 1

39 29.10.99 Podgaji II 2881 IVBrod 34TCP072 175 1 0

10.11.99 1

40 29.10.99 Lepovicina 2881 IVBrod 34TCP068 187 2 2

41 29.10.99 Unknown 2871 I Slivlja 34TCP041 132 1 1

42 02.11.99 JeleC II 2881 IVBrod 34TCP070 181 2 1 min

43 02.11.99 Poljice 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 052 204 2 2

44 02.11.99 Poljice II 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 056 204 1 1

45 02.11.99 Grabovik 2782II Trnovo 34TCP060 211 1 1

46 02.11.99 Banjine 2782 II Trnovo 34TCP061 197 1 1

47 03.11.99 Poljice III 2882 III Foca 34T CP 065 205 3-4 2

48 03.11.99 Capljine 2882 III Foca 34T CP 063 200 3 3

49 03.11.99 Poljice IV 2882 III Foca 34T CP 062 204 1 1

50 03.11.99 Banjine II 2782 II Trnovo 34T CP 058 200 1 1

51 04.11.99 Lokacije 2882 III Foca 34TCP060 198 3 3

52 04.11.99 Banjine III 2782 II Trnovo 34TCP059 199 1 1

PHYSICIANS./^- HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 10

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

53 04.11.99 BanjinelV 2782II Trnovo 34TCP059 200 3 3

54 04.11.99 BanjineV 2782II Trnovo 34TCP057 198 1 1

55 04.11.99 Mocila 2882 III Foca 34TCP069 192 Unknown 4

56 10.11.99 Ovsine 2881IVBrod 34TCP067 171 1 1

57 10.11.99 Glasjenica 2782II Trnovo 34TCP043 272 1 1

PHYSICIANS/^ HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 II


TABLE 2 - Summary of single, manually constructed graves
SITE SITE
# DEPTH
DESCRIPTION
Grave located under a tree,
near a destroyed home on a
steep slope.
Grave dug into a slight
embankment NE of a
gravel road.
A dry creek bed in a
remote rural area.
The Budanj city cemetery.
A discernible mound under
trees to the S W of a
destroyed building.
12 Very isolated wooded area,
N of creek.
13 Wooded area NE of
destroyed house.
16 Along a fenceline NW of a
destroyed house. High
grass.
17 At the edge of a grazed
field.
18a Two separate side-by-side
graves, 1 m apart W of a
destroyed house. Both
graves marked with wood.
18b
21 Eroded wooded hillside,
sloped at approx. 25 °.
PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999
FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT
S^S COVERING OBSERVATIONS
_
(m)
OR
TREATMENT
0.6 No covering. Grave marked by plain wooden
Civilian clothing. marker.
0.2 No covering. Remains of an elderly female. A
Civilian clothing. weathered ulna, 3 rd metacarpal
and phalanx found on road.
0.3 No covering. Remains of an elderly male, the
Civilian clothing. husband of woman from site 5.
No skull recovered.
N/A N/A Witness led team to marked
grave. Death reportedly a
homicide but did not occur
during the war. Commission
decided against exhumation.
0.4 Wrapped in a PHR Consultant attended
blanket. Civilian another location, did not witness
clothing. the exhumation.
0.8 No covering. Edentulous skeletonized remains
Civilian clothing. of a male. Wristwatch
recovered.
0.2 No covering. Disarticulated skeletal remains-
Civilian clothing. probable secondary burial.
Edentulous elderly female.
N/A N/A Despite probing and numerous
test pits, no remains located.
0.3 Well-constructed Skeletonized adult male. Head
wooden coffin. bound in gauze. Cassette tapes
Lots of rope around and military belt recovered with
body. Mix of remains.
military and civilian
clothing.
0.9 Metal oil drum Remains highly fragmentary.
cover over remains, Some evidence of burning.
plastic and coffin Skeletal indicators suggest adult
bottom beneath female. Gunshot wounds to
remains. No skull fragments.
clothing.
0.9 Wrapped in blanket. Skeletonized adult male. Skull
Civilian clothing. is fragmentary.
0.2 No covering. Skeletonized remains in supine
Civilian clothing. position, slightly flexed at hips.
12
 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

22 Bush covered hillside with 0.4 Upper bodies Skeletonized remains in supine
a flat area free of covered with position, slightly flexed at hips.
vegetation. plastic. Civilian
clothing.

24 Along a barb wire 0.4 No covering. Skeletonized remains in supine

fenceline next to dirt road. Civilian clothing. position, slightly flexed at hips.

25 Sloped grassy area N of 0.2 No covering. Skeletonized remains.

dirt road. Civilian clothing.

26 Drainage ditch leading N/A N/A Searched this area, with probing
from culvert under dirt and test trenches, on three
road. occasions. No remains found.

29 On a hillside, E of dirt 0.4 No covering. Grave filled with water.

road. Civilian clothing. Skeletonized adult male.

31a Two separate single graves Not Not known. PHR Consultant attended
on a hi! lside NW of a known exhumation of 31 b, did not
creek. witness this exhumation.

31 b Graves separated by 20 m. 0.7 Wrapped in a table Skeletonized elderly female.

clothe. Civilian
clothing.

32 a Two side-by-side graves 0.4 Wrapped in a Skeletonized adult female. Skull

near a destroyed house. blanket. Civilian damaged during exhumation
clothing. process.

32 b Graves separated by 0.5 m. 1.1 White metal Skeletonized elderly male.

sheeting covered Edentulous mandible recovered
remains. Civilian at 0.5 m.
clothing.

34 Grassy slope S of a 0.3 No covering, no Secondary burial, with animal

destroyed house. clothing. gnawing of epiphyses and
remains not in anatomical
position.

38 On a hillside at the edge of 0.3 No covering. Boots Left innominate found on

a grazed field. and civilian surface near grave. Secondary
clothing. burial of surface remains after 8
days exposure (witness
statement).

39 Beside a refuse pile, SW of 0.5 Wood plank cover. Skeletonized adult male with
a destroyed farm. Civilian clothing. fragmentary skull. Recovered
asthma inhaler and 2 denture
plates.

44 A small stand of trees, E of 0.4 No covering. Skeletonized adult female with

a destroyed house on a Civilian clothing. fragmentary skull.
slope.

45 A small stand of trees off a 0.6 Wooden cover on a Skeletonized adult male.
path on N facing slope. 45° angle. Civilian
clothing.

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 13

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

46 A natural sinkhole on a 1.1 Wrapped in a Remains of adult male in a semi-

steep S facing slope in a blanket. Civilian flexed position.
lightly wooded area. winter clothing.

47 a Two graves adjacent to a 0.3 Wrapped in a Skeletonized adult male.

grass trail (former refugee blanket. Civilian
trail) in a lightly wooded clothing, military
area. boots.

47 b Graves separated by 2 m. 0.6 Covered with a Skeletonized adult male. Canvas

plastic raincoat. bag and upper denture plate
Full military recovered with remains.
uniform.

50 Along a fenceline on a 0.6 Covered with three Skeletonized remains. An upper

gentle N facing slope. metal sheets and dental plate with gold canines
wood on a 45° was recovered with the remains.
angle. Wrapped in
a blanket. Civilian
clothing.

52 A stand of trees under 0.8 Wooden cover, Skeletonized adult male.

downed power lines, SW of wrapped in a Gunshot wound along the
a destroyed house. blanket. Civilian coronal suture.
clothing.

54 Below a lone tree at the 0.4 In heavy yellow Skeletonized remains.

edge of a grazed field. plastic tarp.
Civilian clothing.

56 Beside a single marked 0.9 Wooden cover, Skeletonized adult male.

Muslim grave near a rural laying on a wooden
destroyed mosque, W of plank. Civilian
the river. clothing.

57 A very isolated wooded 0.6 Wrapped in a Skeletonized adult male.

area, N of an unused road. blanket. Military
boots, civilian
clothing.

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

PHYSICIANS/?r HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 15

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

°30'
04 . * 35; '05 36'
DRACEI.Okm. ^ U

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 16

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

21 22 30 40,-}- 7

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 17

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999

18
 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 1 - Site 1 (Miljevina), 13.09.99. General view of the site facing south. Area defined by police tape was
the first to be excavated (roll 6268, exp. 2).

Photo 2 - Site 3 (Mrdenovici II), 14.10.99. Remains of two women in situ. One of the women was reported to
have been pregnant (roll 1339, exp. 4).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 19

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

^ W | B V

B^^MS^ Ai

•^2**

"'S&^BS—

• 'ST'"" .V

Photo 3 - Site 3 (Mrdenovici II), 14.10.99. Close-up view of the pelvic cavity of body # 2. An oxidised bullet
is visible in the center of the Photograph (roll 1339, exp. 5).

Photo 4 - Site 6 (Budanj II), 15.10.99. Remains of one male, exposed in situ at a depth of 0.3 meters in a dry
creek bed (roll 1339, exp. 11).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 20

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 5 - Site 11 (Duskovici), 19.10.99. A cadaver dog and its handlers examine a known grave site as
training exercise (roll 1339, exp. 23).

Photo 6 - Site 11 (Duskovici), 19.10.99. Bodies 1, 2 and 3, exposed in situ at a depth

of 1 meter (roll 1339, exp. 34).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999

 FG-CA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 7 - Site 11 (Duskovici), 19.10.99. Body 4, in a separate single grave, exposed in situ at a
depth of 0.5 meters (roll 1339, exp. 29).

Photo 8 - Site 12 (Kljune), 19.10.99. General view of the site. The team begins the exhumation in
a snow storm (roll 0689, exp. 0).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 22

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 9 - Site 13 (Izbisno), 19.10.99. Remains of body 1, exposed in situ at a depth

of 0.2 meters (roll 0689, exp. 3).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 23

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 10 - Site 15 (Lubure), 20.10.99. View of interior of the destroyed shack, with clothing and bone visible
throughout (roll 0689, exp. 6).

Photo 11 - Site 15 (Lubure), 20.10.99. The remains of body 1 in a body bag (roll 0689, exp. 7).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 24

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 12 - Site 15 (Lubure), 20.10.99. The remains of body 2 in a body bag (roll 0689, exp. 8).

1 .> ^

. '^^r^W

HmGHB^HHHHHHftHnilH • •
Photo 13 - Site 17 (Kratine II), 20.10.99. Close-up view of the skull of body 1, in situ. Note gauze wrapping
across the forehead and eyes (roll 0689, exp. 15).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 25

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 14 - Site 18 (Trnjine), 20.10.99. Close-up view of partially reconstructed skull of the first body exhumed.
Fingers indicate locations of perimortem penetrating trauma. Note the evidence of heat exposure on the parietal
region (roll 0689, exp. 20).

Photo 15 - Site 20 (Ratine), 25.10.99. Bodies 1 through 5, exposed in situ (roll GS99-19, exp. 5).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 26

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 16 - Site 20 (Ratine), 25.10.99. Bodies 5 through 8, exposed in situ (roll GS99-19, exp. 4).

Photo 17 - Site 20 (Ratine), 28.10.99. The team returned to this site to find this individual (body #9) which was
in a separate single grave to the northeast of the mass grave containing eight individuals. Remains exposed in
situ at a depth of 0.9 meters (roll 1249, exp. 29).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 27

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

r- *T" —:-- "'••' .— . H I -*» ~

Photo 18 - Site 23 (Ratine IV), 25.10.99. Remains of bodies 1 and 2, exposed /'« s/'ta. Photo taken facing south
(rollGS99-19, exp. 15).

Photo 19- Site 24 (Tekijska), 25.10.99. Body 1, exposed in situ (roll GS99-19, exp. 21).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 28

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 20 - Site 25 (Tekijska II), 25.10.99. Remains of body 2, exposed in the grave (roll GS99-19, exp. 22).

Photo 21 - Site 27 (Radomislje), 26.10.99. General view of the site, with the remains of three individuals
exposed (roll 1249, exp. 3).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 29

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 22 - Site 29 (Palez), 26.10.99. The remains of PAL 1, exposed in a water-filled grave at a depth
of 0.4 meters (roll 1249, exp. 11).

_
Photo 23 - Site 30 (Ratine VIII), 27.10.99. The remains of seven individuals, exposed in situ at a depth
of 0.5 meters (exp. 1249, exp. 15).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 30

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 24 - Site 31 (Sinice), 27.10.99. Remains of individual #1 in a body bag (roll 1249, exp. 19).

Photo 25 - Site 32 (Glavica), 27.10.99. Individual #1, exposed in situ at a depth of

0.4 meters (roll 1249, exp. 21).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 31

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 26 - Site 34 (Jele£), 28.10.99. Remains of body #1, exposed in situ at a depth of
0.3 meters (roll 1249, exp. 28).

Photo 27- Site 36 (Laza), 28.10.99. Dr. DobraCa and Dr. Komar attempt to differentiate the collection of
commingled bones into individuals (Photo provided by the Federation Commission).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 32

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 28 - Site 37 (Laza II), 28.10.99. Body #9, a scattered surface collection,
in a body bag (roll 1249, exp. 27).

Photo 29 - Site 37 (Laza II), 28.10.99. The remains of body #10 in a body bag. The majority of the body was
recovered from a natural partial burial on a hillside (roll 1249, exp. 26).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 33

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 30 Site 35 (Ratine VII), 29.10.99. Remains of three women, exposed in situ at a depth of
0.4 meters (roll 1249, exp. 34).

Photo 31 - Site 35 (Ratine VII), 29.10.99. Close-up view of the skull of body #11, showing eyeglass exposed in
situ despite perimortem penetrating trauma and fragmentation of the skull (roll 1249, exp. 31).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 34

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 32 - Site 40 (Lepovicina), 10.29.99. Remains of two individuals, exposed in situ at a depth of
0.7 m (roll 1536, exp. 1).
n^

Photo 33 - Site 42 (Jele£ II), 02.11.99. Team screens through ash and debris in a destroyed house. From left to
right: Sejid Koso, Dr. Komar, Saudin Hrnjic and a laborer (roll 1536, exp. 7).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 35

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 34 - Site 42 (Jeled II), 02.11.99. Two knives and a sheath recovered in close proximity to
human remains (roll 1536, exp. 8).

Sal
Photo 35 - Site 42 (JeleC II), 02.11.99. Reconstruction of the scene following removal of debris. Note knives
and sheath in lower left corner of the Photo. Human remains were found in the area under the bedsprings (roll
1536, exp. 9).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 36

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 36 - Site 42 (Jelec II), 02.11.99. Human long bone and skull fragments recovered from the
destroyed house (roll 1536, exp. 11).

Photo 37 - Site 43 (Poljice), 02.11.99. Two bodies exposed in situ at a depth of 0.4 m (roll 1536, exp. 13).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 37

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 38 - Site 44 (Poljice II), 02.11.99. Remains of body #3, exposed in situ at a depth of
0.4 m (roll 1536, exp. 14).

Photo 39 - Site 46 (Banjine), 02.11.99. Remains of body #1, exposed in situ at a depth of
1.1 m(roll 1536, exp. 17).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 38

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

v.
• ••

m&' K

Photo 40 - Site 47 (Poljice III), 03.11.99. Remains of body #1 in situ at a depth of 0.3 m (roll 1536, exp. 19).

Photo 41 - Site 47 (Poljice III), 03.11.99. Remains of body #2 exposed in situ at a depth of 0.6 m. Note the
military uniform (roll 1536, exp. 20).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 39

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

• <

I*
IJ?J
V:;->7 r '. j j

B^^^DV^' k »
°^Ji i^'

ircV: * N"?
,»/,*>
pi
s\r 1/»
LM Jf I * - ^i •i

pr?. 1«K * > y S

:X\?*M
Photo 42 - Site 48 (Capljine-Poljice), 03.11.99. The collected surface scatter of body #2, arranged in
anatomical position (roll 1536, exp. 21).

Photo 43 - Site 48 (Capljine-Poljice), 03.11.99. The collected surface deposited remains of body #3, arran
in anatomical position (roll 1536, exp. 23).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 44 - Site 48 (Capljine-Poljice), 03.11.99. The remains of body #1, exposed in situ at a depth
of0.5m(roll 1536, exp. 24).

Photo 45 - Site 49 (Poljice IV), 03.11.99. Neurocranium recovered at the site (roll 1536, exp.25).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 41

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 46 - Site 51 (Lokacije-Banjine), 04.11.99. Shell casings recovered with burned

remains (roll 1536, exp. 30).

Photo 47 - Site 52 (Banjine III), 04.11.99. Close-up view of trauma to the skull of body #1 following
reconstruction of the skull by the PHR Consultant (roll 1536, exp. 36).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 42

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 48 - Site 53 (Banjine IV), 04.11.99. Reconstruction of scene, after search and removal of debris, with
remains of three individuals arranged in relative positions (roll 1905, exp. 5).

Photo 49 - Site 54 (Banjine V), 04.11.99. Body #1 in situ, exposed at a depth of 0.4 m (roll 1905, exp. 3).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 43

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 50 - Site 55 (Mocila), 04.11.99. Body #1, partial surface scatter and natural burial recovered at a depth of
0.1 m. Note clothing bundle on right side of Photo (roll 1905, exp. 14).

Photo 51 - Site 55 (Mocila), 04.11.99. Body #2, surface scatter (roll 1905, exp. 13).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 44

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 52 - Site 55 (Mocila), 04.11.99. Remains of surface collection, body #3 (roll 1905, exp. 12).

Photo 53 - Site 39 (Podgaji II), 10.11.99. Remains of body #1, exposed in situ at a depth
of0.5m(roll 1905, exp. 21).

PHYSICIANS/OA* HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 45

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 54 - Site 39 (Podgaji II), 10.11.99. Close-up view of dentures and inhaler recovered with remains
of body #1 (roll 1905, exp. 22).

Photo 55 - Site 56 (Ovsine), 10.11.99. Body #1, exposed in situ at a depth of 0.9 m (roll 1905, exp. 24).

PHYSICIANS/or HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 46

 FOCA I CONSULTANT REPORT

Photo 56 - Site 57 (Glasjenica), 10.11.99. Body #2 in body bag for transport (roll 1905, exp. 33).

PHYSICIANS for HUMAN RIGHTS, November 1999 47