PHYSICIANS for

HUMAN RIGHTS

FORENSIC MONITORING PROJECT REPORT

Bugojno Exhumations of Federal Commission on Missing Persons

Croat Side

(26 April 1998)

FINDINGS

A Report by: Brenda Kennedy, Ph.D.

and Page Hudson, M.D.

Forensic Monitoring Project Tuzla, Bosna i Hercegovina

May 1998

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

Physicians for Human Rights Pere Cuskica br.24

75000 Tuzla Bosna i Hercegovina

Tel/fax: 387-75-250-639 Tel: 387-75-234-438

Financed with support of International Commission on Missing Persons

ICMP International Commission

on Missing Persons

Summary of Events

On 26 April 1998, the Federal Commission on Missing Persons Croat Side exhumed the remains of seven individuals from two Catholic cemeteries near the town of Bugojno. Three bodies were recovered from a cemetery in Sultanovici and four bodies from Vucipolje.

The seven bodies were in a state of advanced decomposition; two sets of remains were skeletonized, while the others showed variable soft tissue preservation. None of the deceased wore military uniforms.

Autopsies were performed in Split, Republic of Croatia. The identities of six individuals were confirmed on the basis of documentation, personal effects and physical characteristics. All were Bosnian Croat men (civilians) from the area of Bugojno who had been missing since 31 October 1993. They ranged in age from 49 to 70 years. Six bodies showed evidence of perimortem gunshot wounds to the skull, and one showed evidence of gunshot wounds to the chest.

A Forensic Monitor from Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) was on site for the duration of the exhumations at both sites, as well as autopsies of the bodies in Split on 28 April and family viewing of the remains on May 4.

Participants and Observers

The exhumation team for the Federal Commission on Missing Persons Croat Side included the following individuals:

Andelko Marjanovic Judge JerkoRadic Member, Federal Commission on Missing

Persons Croat Side Dr. Simun Andelinovic Forensic pathologist Dr. Marija Dermis Gojanovic Forensic pathologist Ivo Yukadin Crime technician Labourers

The president of the municipality of Bugojno, Mr. Ivo Mrso, was in attendance at the exhumations, as were several witnesses to events associated with the burials. Family members were present at one of the sites, Sultanovici.

Mr. Jasmin Odobasic represented the State Commission on Missing Persons.

Representatives of various international organizations observed the exhumations in whole or in part. The number of observers was greater than normal owing to a special visit to the Vucipolje exhumation by the Chairman of the International Commission on Missing Persons in the Former Yugoslavia, former US Senator Bob Dole. Among the representatives on site were the following individuals:

International Commission on Missing Persons Bob Dole, Laura Bowman Office of the High Representative Jaques Klein, Agneta Johansson,

Mark Kenyon Physicians for Human Rights Laurie Vollen, Brenda Kennedy,

Sarah Grow, Zlatan Sabanovic International Committee for the Red Cross Mathieu Beudel, Osvald Sanda

Local and international media (radio, TV and print) was present at both sites, but in increased numbers at Vucipolje. A number of media interviews were given by Mr. Dole, Ambassador Klein, Mr. Radic, and local representatives involved in the search for missing persons.

British Stabilization Force (SFOR) soldiers with the 2nd Royal Green Jackets provided security for the Vucipolje exhumation. Local police and members of the International Police Task Force attended both exhumations.

Site Description Overview

The Federal Commission on Missing Persons Croat Side recovered the remains of seven individuals from two cemeteries near the town of Bugojno on 26 April 1998 (Photograph 1). Three graves located in a large Catholic cemetery in Sultanovici were exhumed first (Grid Coordinates: XJ 962 797; Map Name: Bugojno, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2683 III M709 Edition 6-DMA; Scale 1:50,000) (Figure 1). The three graves all had markers indicating the full name or family name of the deceased; two

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sets of remains had been buried while the third set had been placed in a crypt (Photographs 2-4). An additional four graves were exhumed from a small Catholic cemetery in Vucipolje (Grid Coordinates XJ 978 798; Map Name: Bugojno, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2683 III M709 Edition 6-DMA; Scale 1:50,000) (Figure 1). These graves were marked by simple wooden crosses with no inscription (Photograph 5). The vegetation covering the graves was dense and consistent with that throughout the remainder of the cemetery, confirming that the burials predated the most recent growing season.

History Relating to the Grave Site

Information relating to the history of the sites was provided by several informants during a reconnaissance visit to the site in advance of the exhumation and at a meeting on the date of the exhumation. A witness who participated in the burial of the seven bodies indicated that the deceased were killed on the night of 31 October 1993 while trying to escape fighting in the region. Informants reported that the bodies of the men were recovered from a hill near Bugojno, and that all showed evidence of gunshot wounds (reportedly 9mm) to the head. The identities of the deceased were known and reported to be civilian men aged 49 to 70. The association of specific bodies with individual graves was not clear in all cases, however, and family members had never been given the opportunity to confirm the identities of the deceased or to hold formal burial ceremonies. The exhumations were intended to provide families with these opportunities.

According to the Federal Commission on Missing Persons Croat Side, there are approximately 150 people missing from the Bugojno area.

Exhumation Process and Condition of Remains

A mine assessment of the two sites was completed by RONCO in advance of the exhumation date. Given the scheduled visit to Vucipolje by former US Senator Bob Dole, Ambassador Jaques Klein, other dignitaries, and a large media contingent, special precautions were taken at this location. After a thorough assessment of the site on the day prior to the exhumation, mine-warning tape was used to establish a perimeter within which personnel on site were permitted to walk (Photograph 6). The site was guarded overnight by British SFOR troops

The Sultanovici graves were exhumed on the morning of 26 April, beginning with the two sets of buried remains which were dug simultaneously. The overburden was removed with picks and shovels. The remains and associated evidence were delineated, numbered and photographed, and the locations mapped.

The bodies were located at an average depth of 1 m, oriented with heads to the NW. The general features of the graves were as follows:

Grave 1: Body wrapped in plastic sheeting; remains in an advanced state of decomposition (Photograph 7).

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Grave 2: Body wrapped in plastic with burlap around the feet and placed in a small white coffin with feet and lower legs extending from the lower end (Photograph 8); skeletonized remains.

The third set of remains was recovered from an above-ground crypt. The crypt was opened, and ropes used to remove the single coffin found in this tomb (Photograph 9). The coffin was opened, and the body found wrapped in a blanket with a pillow under the head. The remains were skeletonized. Each of the three Sultanovici bodies was accompanied by a small tag, which a witness indicated was included as an aid to future identification. None of the individuals was wearing military clothing.

The bodies from Sultanovici were placed in body bags and stored in a hearse on site. These bodies were later moved by hearse to Vucipolje to be viewed by Senator Dole, Ambassador Klein, and the other visitors. The Sultanovici body bags were placed on the ground near the Vucipolje graves, along with body bags holding the remains recovered from Vucipolje. These bags were in an area of restricted access and in plain view of all present on site.

Exhumation of the four Vucipolje graves followed the same procedures as at Sultanovic. Work was temporarily halted following delineation to await the arrival of Senator Dole (Photograph 10).

The Vucipolje graves were approximately 1 m deep. All the bodies were wrapped in plastic sheeting and in a state of advanced decomposition (Photograph 11). A small tag was included with three of the bodies, which a witness reported had been inscribed with the identity of the deceased (Photograph 12). In two cases, a jacket or sweater had been pulled over the head like a hood (see also Photograph 12).

The remains were transported to Mostar where they were temporarily stored and then later to Split for autopsy.

Summary of Autopsy Findings

The autopsies were conducted on 28 April at the Clinical Hospital Split, Republic of Croatia. PHR Forensic Monitor Dr. Page Hudson was in attendance, accompanied by translator Mirela Livadic. Dr Marija Definis Gojanovic conducted the postmortem examinations (Photograph 13). She was assisted by two autopsy technicians, Alma Pavlic and Miljenko Jurkic-Cundic, and two photographers.

A summary of the findings, as reported by Dr. Hudson in consultation with Dr. Gojanovic, follows:

S-098-98 (Sultanovici 1) • Gunshot entrance wound: left temporal area of skull • Gunshot exit wound: right occipital area of skull • Older white male

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S- 99-98 (Sultanovici 2) • Gunshot entrance wound: left temporal area of skull; round 8mm hole with

radiating fracture lines (Photograph 14) • Gunshot exit wound: right temporal area of skull, just anterior to mastoid • Skeletonized remains • Edentulous, older white male

S-100-98 (Sultanovici 3) • Gunshot entrance wound: right superior occipital area of skull; peculiar ~ could

be exit wound • Gunshot exit wound: left orbital area has comminuted gunshot wound deemed

entrance • Skeletonized remains • Older white male

S-101-98 (Vucipolje 1) • Gunshot entrance wounds: two wounds deemed entrance, one anterior right

inferior chest, one right mid-clavicular area • Gunshot exit wound: see entrance above; no bullets found; no severe deep soft

tissue injury found • Final decision with regard to wounds listed above indeterminate; the two may

represent entrance and exit; X-ray would have been invaluable • Right index finger jammed firmly into right eye socket • Moderate soft tissue preservation • Yellow metal ring present in pocket • Shallow depression (approximately three cm in diameter) noted in right frontal

bone correlates with family history of old injury • Older white male

S-102-98 (Vucipolje 2) • Gunshot entrance wound: left parietal area of skull • Gunshot exit wound: right occipital area of skull • Possible gunshot wound: left lower chest • Two ribs fractured; X-ray would have been helpful • Very tall, older white male

S-103-98 (Vucipolje 3) • Gunshot entrance wound: midline lower occipital area of skull • Gunshot exit wound: left anterior maxillary area of skull • Possible bullet fragment recovered from within skull • Older white male

S-104-98 (Vucipolje 4) • Gunshot entrance wound: high right posterior parietal area of skull • Gunshot exit wound: through base of skull out under chin • Older white male

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Summary comments: Of the seven sets of remains recovered from Bugojno, five were putrefied and saponified to varying degrees and two were skeletonized. Clothing was heavy and multi-layered. All individuals died of gunshot wounds. Six of the seven had a single gunshot wound of the head, and one of these (S-102-98) also may have had a gunshot wound of the left chest. The seventh (S-101-98) had wounds in the right chest which probably represented entrance and exit wounds. These wounds are consistent with execution. None of the skulls had the "exploded" appearance associated with contact gunshot wounds from weapons with medium to high-energy bullets. Contact wounds are commonly associated with execution-style shootings, especially when there is a single shot to the head. This is consistent with the possibility that the victims were lying down when shot.

Informants indicated that the deceased were 49 years of age and older. Cursory examination of the remains was entirely consistent with this high age range.

PHR Forensic Monitor Dr. Brenda Kennedy attended the family viewing of the remains on 4 May 1998, accompanied by translator Mirela Livadic. Personal effects (e.g., ring) and samples of cleaned clothing were displayed in sealed plastic bags for the families to review (Photograph 15). The clothing samples were relatively large (10-20 cm square) so that fabric designs were clearly visible and labels or special features (e.g., buttons or pocket) were included where possible. Tags associated with the bodies were also displayed; only two of the tags were clearly legible. Dr. Simun Andelinovic reviewed the autopsy file with each family, including photographs of the remains. Identifications were confirmed for six bodies through this process; in the seventh case, no family member was able to attend the viewing and the remains were held for review at a later date.

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FORMER YUGOSLAVIA 1:50,000

6g3ooom£ 25' 94

212M( '"E.

BUGOJNO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 2683 III M709 EDITION 6-DMA

Figure 1: Location of exhumation sites: Sultanovici (1) and VuSipolje (2)

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Photograph 1. Judge Andelko Marjanovic (taking notes) at Sultanovici cemetery.

Photograph 2. Grave 1, Sultanovici (center with white surface).

Photograph 3. Grave 2 at Sultanovici cemetery site.

Photograph 4. Grave 3 at Sultanovici cemetery site.

Photograph 5. Four crosses mark graves at Vu&polje cemetery.

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Photograph 6. Overview of Vucipolje site showing perimeter established for visitors.

Photograph 7. Remains from Sultanovici Grave 1.

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Photograph 8. Sultanovici Grave 2. White boards of coffin are visible.

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Photograph 9. Sultanovici Grave 3. Crypt has teen opened to reveal coffin inside.

Photograph 10. Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, Chairman of the International Commission on Missing Persons in the Former Yugoslavia, visits the Vucipolje exhumation. Speaking with Mr. Dole are Dr. Brenda Kennedy of PHR (left) and Dr. Simun Andelinovic of the Clinical Hospital Split (right).

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Photograph 11. Grave 4 from Vu&polje cemetery site.

Photograph 12. Remains recovered from Vucipolje Grave 3. A circular white tag is visible in the central chest area, on which name of deceased had been inscribed before burial.

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Photograph 13. Dr. Page Hudson of PHR (bending at right of autopsy table) observes Dr. Marija Definis Gojanovic performing autopsy of Bugojno remains in Clinical Hospital Split (photo courtesy of Dr. Gojanovic).

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Photograph 14. Gunshot entrance wound, left temporal area of skull (S-99-98; Sultanovici grave 2) (photo courtesy of Dr. Gojanovic).

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Photograph 15. Personal effects and clothing samples collected at autopsy for later viewing by fanuhes (photo courtesy of Dr. Gojanovic).

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PHYSICIANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) mobilizes the health professions and enlistspublic support to protect and promote the human rights of all people.

PHR believes that human rights are essential preconditions for the health and well-being of all members of the human family.

We use medical and scientific methods to investigate and expose violations of human rights worldwide.

We work to stop violations of human rights.

We demand the perpetrators of human rights violations be held accountable for their actions under international law.

Since its founding in 1986, PHR has carried out forensic investigations, including exhumations and autopsies, of alleged torture and extrajudicial executions in Afghanistan, Brazil, Israel, the former Czechoslovakia, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kuwait, Mexico, Panama, Somalia, and Thailand. PHR has also devoted considerable energy and resources, under the auspices of its Chicago-based International Forensic Program, to assist the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (and its predecessor the U.N. War Crimes Commission) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, to collect evidence of genocide in those nations.

The President is Charles Clements, M.D., M.P.H., the Vice President is Carola Eisenberg, M.D., the Executive Director is Leonard Rubenstein, J.D., the Deputy Director is Susannah Sirkin, the Advocacy Director is Holly Burkhalter, the Senior Program Associate is Richard Sollom, the Director of Communications is Barbara Ayotte, the Campaign and Education Coordinator is Gina Cummings, the Membership Development Coordinator is Steve Brown. Robert H. Kirschner, M.D., is Director of PHR's International Forensic Program. Vince Iacopino, M.D., Ph.D., is Senior Medical Consultant. The director of Bosnia Projects is Laurie Vollen, M.D., M.P.H

© 1998 Physicians for Human Rights. All rights reserved.

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