Bombing of Residential Houses
in Towns and Villages

 

 

Surdulica 

                       

           

 

 

Kri. No.84/99

 

 

INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

Made on 27 April 1999 by the investigative judge of the Surdulica Municipal Court relating to the criminal bombing by the aggressor forces of NATO Alliance led by the United States of America, on the same day between 12.15 and 12.30 p.m., of the Yugoslav Army barracks in Surdulica and of some civilian houses in the close proximity of the Army barracks in Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Street in Surdulica, which caused the death of a large number of civilians due to the bombing of houses on the said street, as well as extensive material damage on civilian houses on the same street, and those located in Drinska Divizija Street, Jugoslovenska Street and other streets in the vicinity of the Army barracks, due to the detonation of about a dozen missiles dropped on the above facilities and to the fragmentation effect of the material from the hit facilities within the military barracks compound, which makes necessary the conduct of an investigation.

 

IN THE PRESENCE OF

 

Investigative judge                                                                       Public Prosecutor

Dragiša Adžemović                                                                       Desimir Zdravković

 

                                                                                                         Forensic Technician

                                                                                                         of the Department of the                                                                                                                     Interior in Surdulica

                                                                                                         Stanimir Pavlović

 

The investigation started at 2.10 p.m.

 

 

I PRELIMINARY REMARKS AND INFORMATION

 

The Surdulica Department of the Interior service on duty, through its authorized officers, and on the basis of the information provided by the Service of this Court on duty which was established following the proclamation of the state of war in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia because of the aggression of the "NATO Alliance" forces, led by the United States of America against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, informed the Investigation Section of this Court about 1.45 p.m. after the bombing of the Yugoslav Army barracks and of civilian houses on the afore-mentioned streets and those in the wider area around the military facilities, that the bombing of civilian houses on the said street caused the death of several persons. Also, that enormous material damage was inflicted due to the destruction caused by the bombing and that it is necessary to conduct an investigation. However, in view of the fact that the damage is extensive in a wider area around the Yugoslav Army barracks, and in order to complete the procedure more rapidly and efficiently, it is necessary that the investigation be conducted by at least three investigative judges and appropriate teams. This approach was approved by Public Prosecutor Desimir Zdravković and by the head of the Department of the Interior Dragan Stanković.

The President of the Court, acting at the same time in the capacity as an investigative judge, made sure that the investigation in the affected parts of the town be conducted by three judges, including the President of the Court, with the support of appropriate teams to be present during the investigation.

Information has been also received that appropriate measures have been taken by other municipal authorities, in particular by the crisis committee and the committee of the Municipality, to start urgently the clearing of the debris and the search for the victims of the bombing in Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Street, where a civilian house was hit and several civilians were killed as a result. Other necessary measures will also be taken.

 

 

II DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENE AND EVIDENCE INCLUDING
THE DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE ON CIVILIAN FACILITIES - HOUSES
ON JUGOSLOVENSKA STREET FROM INTERSECTION WITH DRINSKA DIVIZIJA STREET RIGHT OPPOSITE TO THE ARMY BARRACKS MAIN ENTRANCE DOOR TO THE EAST WHERE THIS STREET CONVERGES
ON TOMA IVANOVIĆ STREET IN STOJAN STAMENKOVIĆ STREET
AND MIROLJUB STANKOVIĆ STREET IN SURDULICA

 

Upon the arrival of the investigative judge and Municipal Public Prosecutor Desimir Zdravković, and forensic technician of the Surdulica Department of the Interior Stanimir Pavlović, the investigative judge inspected Jugoslovenska Street from the intersection with Drinska Divizija Street to the east where it converges on Toma Ivanović Street. He noted large quantities of scattered rubble on the roadway. The rubble consists of stone blocks weighing 5 to 100 kg including brick, mortar and concrete segments reinforced with metal framework broken most probably as the result of the bombing of the Army barracks facilities and of ensuing detonation. He also noted that the roadway and pavement of this street are completely blocked by felled birch and poplar trunks which grew within the compound of the Army barracks close to the building razed to the ground. According to the available information the building housed a first-aid station- patient ward. As a consequence no traffic is possible on this street.

In addition to the above described roadway of the section of Jugoslovenska Street there are also approximately 4 m wide pavements viewed from the direction of west towards east, with no asphalt layer. They are located opposite the building used
as a patient ward within the Army barracks, which was completely demolished so that the passage is blocked. Along the left pavement concrete pillars carrying low-voltage cables were erected but it has been noted that the said low-voltage grid in this section
of the street has been completely demolished. The grid cables have been cut, as well
as those supplying electricity to private houses. At the time of the investigation the
teams on duty of the Electricity Company, Surdulica branch, began repairing damage and fixing the grid.

The investigative judge then proceeded to inspect marks and damage on civilian houses in the section of Jugoslovenska Street, north from the Army barracks. On the basis of his inspection he has noted on civilian houses the damage which will
be described below, outlining the most distinctive details. No estimate of the damage caused on each house will be made at this stage. It will be done subsequently by experts in civil engineering:

1. Jugoslovenska street

 

1. House No. 51, owned by MILO IGNJATOVIĆ, from Surdulica, has sustained the following damage caused by the bombing: completely destroyed roof of the building i.e. the rafters, laths and tiles, so that on the basis of this inspection it could be said that the building sustained extensive or total damage. The approximate surface of the house is 150 sq. meters.

 

2. House No. 53, owned by STOJAN PETKOVIĆ on the same street has sustained damage on the roof, i.e. broken tiles on the entire roof structure facing Jugoslovenska Street; broken all panes on two windows facing the street and completely demolished plastic blinds on all windows; pieces of concrete block and bricks of 2, 3 and even of 5 kg in weight in the backyard.

 

3. House No. 53A, owned by SLAVKO PETKOVIĆ on the same street has also sustained damage on the roof structure, such as broken tiles the number of which will be determined subsequently; the owner has been advised to report the exact number of damaged tiles to the investigative judge; cracked ceilings of the rooms in the house; doors blown out of their frames; smashed windows blown out of frames; all panes broken and plastic blinds torn with visible holes of different size caused by fragments of brick and similar material which fell into the backyard of the house after the bombing and detonation. The total space of houses Nos. 53 and 53A which are attached to each other is 210 sq. meters; the house at No.53A is a new building built of solid material.

 

4. House No. 55, owned by VASILIJE TASIĆ, sustained the following visible damage: the windows blown out of their frames and their panes broken, completely twisted blinds. The ground floor and upper floor of the house are built of solid material. This newly built house is practically completely demolished because it is located opposite to the above-mentioned patient ward within the compound of the Army barracks, which has been razed to the ground. The approximate surface of the building is 150 sq. meters.

 

5. House No. 57, owned by SLAVKO VELJKOVIĆ from Surdulica, is completely demolished because it is located just across the targeted patient ward within the compound of the Army barracks. According to the information available to the investigative judge those two completely destroyed houses sustained extensive damage also in the previous bombing of the Army barracks on 6 April 1999.

 

6. House No. 52, owned by VELJA MOMČILOVIĆ from Surdulica, has been totally demolished. This house consisting of the ground floor and the upper floor and built of solid material is situated in the close proximity of, and opposite to, the patient ward and first-aid station within the Army barracks compound. In its backyard there is a large quantity of rubble blown into it as a result of the blast within the compound of the barracks. The surface of the house is between 70 and 90 sq. meters.

 

7. House No. 61, property of DOBRIVOJE BOŠKOVIĆ, about 80 sq. meters, sustained large-scale damage since and has been completely destroyed. It is in close proximity of the bombed facility within the Army barracks compound, as is clearly visible from the direction of Jugoslovenska Street.

8. House No. 63, owned by BRANKO RADOJIČIĆ, approximate area of 240 sq. meters, built of solid material and consisting of the ground floor, upper floor and attic, has sustained the following damage: the roof has been completely destroyed so that not only the tiles have to be replaced but also some parts of the roof structure; all windows facing Jugoslovenska Street have been blown out of their frames; plastic blinds have been heavily damaged and blown out of place. The fragmented pieces of the material blown from the struck facility within the Army barracks compound damaged the facade of the house and the mortar fell off in places.

 

9. House No. 65 on the same street, owned by LJUBIŠA KOSTIĆ, has sustained the following damage: the roof is completely demolished, windows blown out of their frames; window panes broken. The approximate area of the house is 200 sq. meters.

 

10. House No. 65A, owned by ACA STANKOV, has sustained the following damage: the entrance door pulled out of frames; plastic blinds on the windows facing Jugoslovenska Street are completely deformed and blown out of their frames. This house consisting of the ground and upper floors has been built of solid material. The approximate area of the house is 150 sq. meters. The roof has also been damaged: tiles on its northern side have been broken by fragmented material from various targeted facilities within the Army barracks. According to a rough estimate about 100 tiles or more have to be replaced.

 

11. House No. 67, owned by SLOBODAN STANKOVIĆ, consisting of the ground floor and the upper floor, approximate area between 150 and 200 sq. meters, built recently of solid material, has sustained the following damage: windows have been blown out of their frames; all window panes broken; the entrance door on the upper floor distorted and blown out of its frame; on the east side of the house there are holes made by the blows of fragmented material which came from the facilities within the Army barracks compound; roof structure of the house has been extensively damaged because almost all tiles on the part of the roof facing Jugoslovenska Street have been broken.

In the backyard there is a "Zastava 101" car, registration plate No. VR 545-43, and its front windshield has been broken by fragments of material, concrete or bricks, blown up by the detonation within the barracks compound. The approximate area of this house is 120 sq. meters.

 

12. House No. 69, owned by VOJISLAV NAJDANOVIĆ from Surdulica, built recently of solid material, consisting of the ground floor, upper floor and a part of attic, sustained the following damage: the roof of the house has been completely destroyed since the tiles over the entire roof have been broken; plastic blinds on all windows both on the ground floor and upper floor facing Jugoslovenska Street have been blown out of their frames and distorted; the glass on all windows broken; visible cracks on the ceilings caused most probably by detonation. The approximate area of the house is 190 sq. meters. The ceiling damaged in rooms and in the bathroom. It has been noted that a part of the house is occupied by Branko Najdanovic, the son of Vojislav, i.e. the eastern wing of the house with separate entrance, which has also been damaged as described above.

 

13. House No. 71, owned by BRANKO BOŽILOVIĆ from Surdulica, recently built of solid material, approximate surface 160 sq. meters, sustained the following damage on the basis of observation: damaged roof, i.e. many tiles have been broken on the side of the roof facing Jugoslovenska Street; broken window panes; facade damaged by blows of fragments of the material from the facilities within the Army barracks compound dispersed all around. It has also been noted that plastic blinds on the windows have been blown out of place and completely demolished; the ceiling in the rooms and hall damaged; partial damage visible also on the northern side of the house.

 

14. House No. 72, owned by MILAN ARIZANOVIĆ, approximate area of 90 sq. meters, has been also built of solid material. The owner said that the bombing of the Army barracks facilities on 6 April 1999 caused only partial damage and broke some window glass. However, during the present inspection it has been noted that the bombing caused also the following damage: tiles on the roof structure broken; window frames blown out of place; the number of broken roof tiles could not be determined for reasons earlier stated in this report. Therefore, this owner and other affected owners have been advised to make a statement subsequently before the investigative judge of this Court and to report the exact number of the broken tiles.

 

15. House No. 73, owned by VLADA JANKOVIĆ and ŽIVKO JANKOVIĆ, consisting of the ground floor and built of solid material sustained the following damage: broken roof tiles; broken window glass; damaged ceilings in the living room, bedroom and other rooms. The area of the house occupied by Vlada Janković is approximately 60 sq. meters while the space of the house occupied by Živko Janković is approximately 55 sq. meters.

 

16. House No. 75 located on the said street, owned by SLAVOLJUB JANKOVIĆ, total area 60 sq. meters, sustained the following damage: ceiling and wall fissures inside the house; roof tiles partially broken and their number will be determined subsequently.

 

17. House No. 77, owned by LJUBOMIR MOMČILOVIĆ, consisting of the ground floor and upper floor, recently built of solid material, approximate area 180 sq. meters, sustained the following damage: broken tiles along the entire western side of the roof; blinds broken and blown out of their frames on the windows facing Jugoslovenska Street and opposite to the hit Army barracks facility. In addition, the following damage has also been noted on the house: main entrance door has been blown out of its frame and opaque glass broken.

 

18. House No. 79, owned by JOVAN ARIZANOVIĆ, from Surdulica, approximate area 240 sq. meters, built of solid material, consists of the ground and upper floor. The owner of the house said that 100 roof tiles have been broken.

 

19. House No. 104 on Jugoslovenska Street, owned by ZORAN ILIĆ, consists of the ground floor, upper floor and attic and is still under construction. It is the nearest house on the right-hand side of Jugoslovenska Street viewed from the direction of west towards east and is practically bordering on the Army barracks compound. It has sustained the following damage: tiles broken on the entire west side of the roof facing the Army barracks compound; windows on the same side blown out of their frames, broken window panes; some plastic blinds blown out of their frames on the ground and upper floor windows facing Jugoslovenska Street.

 

20. House No. 83, owned by SRETEN ARIZANOVIĆ, area 100 sq. meters, sustained damage in the form of broken glass on the doors and windows.

21. House No. 85, owned by MILORAD ARIZANOVIĆ, located on the left-hand side of Jugoslovenska Street, approximate area 150 sq. meters, recently built, consisting of the ground and upper floors. The owner was not at home but the investigative judge noticed at the main entrance door a piece of paper with lines, probably torn out of a notebook, with the following message: "I am at the place of my son-in-law in Žitoradja. We are all safe and sound".

The investigative judge has noticed the damage on the roof where a certain number of tiles have been broken and a relatively small number of broken window panes (four or five) on the upper floor. There was no other visible damage.

 

22. House No. 85 on the same street, owned by SIMO MIHAJLOVIĆ, has an approximate area of 250 sq. meters. The following damage has been noted: frames of the entrance door on the upper floor facing Jugoslovenska Street have been blown out; visible damage in the attic where the doors and plastic blinds have been blown out of their frames; damaged roof of an outbuilding in the backyard.

The roof structure has been also damaged since the tiles are broken, but the scope of the damage cannot be determined because the owner was not at home.

 

23. House No. 87, owned by BRANKO ARIZANOVIĆ, located in the same street, a ground floor house, built of solid material, approximate area 100 sq. meters, sustained the following damage as a result of the bombing: ceiling fissures inside the house; broken glass on the windows facing Jugoslovenska Street; plastic blinds blown out of their frames.

 

24. House No. 89 located in the same street, owned by VLADIMIR PETROVIĆ, approximate area 60 sq. meters. The following damage has been noted on the basis of inspection: plastic blinds on the upper floor facing Jugoslovenska Street blown out of their frames; about 50 roof tiles broken .

 

25. House sharing the same No. 89, attached to the previously described house and practically under the same roof, owned by VOJISLAV PETROVIĆ, built of solid material, sustained the following damage: the blinds on the two windows facing Jugoslovenska Street blown out of frames. The house is approximately of the same size as the previously mentioned house, about 60 sq. meters.

 

26. House No. 89 in Jugoslovenska Street owned by STOJAN PETROVIĆ, built recently of solid material, consisting of the ground and upper floors, sustained the following damage caused by the bombing: plastic blinds are twisted, broken and blown out of their frames on all windows facing Jugoslovenska Street; all panes on these windows have been broken; window frames damaged and partially blown out; some tiles on the roof structure facing Jugoslovenska Street have been broken. Approximate surface of this house is between 150 and 160 sq. meters.

 

27. House No. 112 on the same street, owned by VELJA DIMITROV, sustained the following damage: plastic blinds on the ground floor are deformed, torn down and blown out of the frames: fragments of rocks and bricks from the bombed facilities within the barracks compound have pierced some blinds; glass has been broken on all windows facing Jugoslovenska Street; "opaque" glass (60 cm x 30 cm) on the iron front door has been broken; wall on the western side has been damaged ­ there is a puncture of 20 cm x 10 cm wide and almost 5 cm deep caused by the blow of a missile fragment or by a piece of concrete block or similar material following the detonation and fragmentation of the material from the barracks compound; the glass on the iron door in the basement is also broken; entrance door (2m x 0.40 m) on the upper floor is broken; bathroom door damaged; window frames in the bathroom and rooms are damaged and partly blown out. The approximate area of the house is 100 sq. meters.

 

28. House No. 108, owned by SLAVKO ILIĆ, sustained the following damage: about 20 ­ 30 tiles on the west side of the roof are broken; plastic blinds on doors and windows broken; window panes broken. Approximate area of the house is 120 sq. meters.

 

29. House with the same No. 108 as the previous one is the property of DRAGOLJUB ILIĆ. It is practically attached to the previous house and its space is approximately the same. It has sustained the following damage: approximately 20-30 roof tiles are damaged while the windows are partially blown out of place.

With reference to the marks and damage on the mentioned houses on Jugoslovenska Street the investigative judge notes in particular that during his on-site investigation he entered both into the backyards and into the houses where the owners were present; he did not enter into other houses where it was not possible to do so; the descriptions of the damage have been made on the basis of observation. He has noticed that in all inspected houses there is a large quantity of fragmented material scattered around after the bombing of the facilities within the Army barracks compound , also that there is a thick layer of dust and of other material which fell in the backyards and in other parts of the houses.

Furthermore, the investigative judge notes that there is no other damage either on the roadway or on the houses themselves on this street; he continued his observation of the damaged houses on Stojan Stamenković ­ Tajko Street in Surdulica. That street is parallel with Jugoslovenska Street and is located to the north of it. The damage on civilian houses on that street could be clearly seen from Jugoslovenska Street because of the configuration of the ground.

 

 

II ESTABLISHED DAMAGE ON HOUSES AND OTHER OBJECTS
ON STOJAN STAMENKOVIĆ ­ TRAJKO STREET

 

1. Coming from Jugoslovenska Street from the north to the house No. 40 on Stojan Stamenković Street owned by PAVLE ARIZANOVIĆ from Surdulica, the investigative judge has noticed on the lot of Slobodan Stojanović, nicknamed Džavorac, from Surdulica, a van painted red all over except the beige roof, parked with the front end facing Jugoslovenska Street. Its front windshield has recently been completely smashed. Inside the vehicle there are pieces of fragmented material from the bombed facilities similar to the material found in the backyards of the houses on Jugoslovenska Street. There is no doubt that the damage has been caused by the fragmented material coming from the bombed facility within the Army barracks compound .

The investigative judge learned from Pavle Arizanović that the van is owned by Zoran Arizanović from Stojan Stamenković ­ Tajko Street, Surdulica.

2. During further observations on Stojan Stamentković Street from the house No. 40 owned by PAVLE ARIZANOVIĆ, from Surdulica, the investigative judge established, on the basis of the statement of the owner, that the approximate area of the house is 160 sq. meters; the house has the ground and upper floors, and it has been finished recently and built of solid material. The investigative judge has noted the following damage and marks on the house: on the northern side ­ a window on the ground floor blown out of place; window blinds on the northern side have been also blown out of the frames; glass on the windows and doors broken; about 50 roof tiles are damaged by missile fragments or by material from the bombed facility within the Army barracks compound.

Near the house, in front of the garage which is on its northern side, the investigative judge has found a Zastava 101 passenger car, registration plates No. VR 110­84, of red colour, partly covered by a tarpaulin. There are visible fresh marks on the left side of the car caused by missile fragments or by pieces of material fragmented by bombing. The left front door of the car has been broken.

 

3. House No. 109 on Stojan Stamenković Street, owned by DUŠAN MARINKOVIĆ. The investigative judge has established that its approximate surface is 150 sq. meters and that it has been damaged: broken panes on a window and smashed glass of 40 cm in diameter on a metal door.

 

4. House No. 36 on the same street, owned by PETAR LJUBISAVLJEVIĆ. The investigative judge has noted that its approximate area is 60 sq. meters and that it has been recently built of solid material. It has been further noted that two panes on a window (1.20 x 0.30 cm) have been broken on the ground floor. The investigative judge has also noted that 4 window panes (0.50 x 0.40 cm) have been broken on the upper floor on the northern side of the house.

The outbuilding of the owner in the backyard has also been damaged: glass has
been broken on a 1m x 0.50 m window; a wall damaged by a missile fragment or by a piece of material which came from the barracks compound and made a 0.20 x 0.10 m wide puncture.

 

5. House No. 34 on the same street is owned by DOBRIVOJE STOJKOVIĆ. The investigative judge has noted that its area is 60 sq. meters and that it has sustained damage: 60 tiles broken on the roof of the house; partially damaged roof on the outbuilding which is covered by salonite ­ visible punctures (10) from 10 x 0.30 m to 0.40 x 0.20 m in diameter; window blinds on the upper floor completely deformed and blown out of the frames and glass on the same window broken; a 0.20 x 0.30 m shrapnel has been found on the window on the west side of the house which broke 0.30 x 2.60 m wide window pane; a bar of the metal fence has been damaged by the blow of an object or by a missile fragment that also hit the metal structure of the fence on the western side of the house.

 

6. House No. 30 on the same street, owned by BORA STANKOVIĆ, approximate area of 50 sq. meters, sustained damage: 100 tiles broken on the roof of an outbuilding; damaged tiles on the roof of the house built of solid material consisting of the ground and the upper floors; door and window frames of the house blown out.

 

7. House No. 28 owned by MILAN STANKOVIĆ, approximate area of 90 sq. meters, built recently of solid material, sustained damage on the southern part of the house facing Jugoslovenska Street: broken window panes; plastic blinds blown out of the window frames.

8. House No. 17, owned by SRETEN CVETKOVIĆ, located on the same street, consisting of the ground and upper floors, built in the past includes an auxiliary building used as a stable and also an outbuilding towards north used as a shed. The investigative judge has noted by observation that the roof structure of the shed is damaged, its rafters and tiles are completely destroyed by a blow of a fragment of material, i.e. of piece of reinforced concrete weighing about 50 kg, which probably came from some bombed and demolished facilities within the Army barracks because this piece is similar to the material found in Jugoslovenska Street.

 

9. House No. 24, owned by RADOSAV MILUTINOVIĆ from Surdulica, sustained damage: the roof structure of the house built of solid material in an early period ­ 30 roof tiles broken on the northern part of the house; a part of the roof structure with gutter broken off probably by the blow of a piece of material which came from the bombed military facilities within the barracks compound. Since there was no one at home it was impossible to carry out inspection inside the house.

 

10. House No. 27 on the same street, owned by STOJAN JANKOVIĆ, built of
solid material, approximate area of 100­120 sq. meters, sustained damage: about 100
roof tiles broken.

 

11. House No. 24 on the same street, owned by PAVLE STOJKOVIĆ sustained the following damage: 100 roof tiles broken.

 

12. On the house No. 22 on the same street, owned by RADISAV ILIĆ, the following damage has been noted: about 50 tiles broken on the northern side of the roof structure; damaged wall on the same side; windows blown out of the frames; blinds deformed; window panes broken; on the upper floor: window panes smashed and blinds broken and blown out of their frames. The house of approximate area of 200 sq. meters has been built recently.

 

13. House No. 20 on the same street, owned by MENKA RADOJKOV, built of solid material, consists of the ground floor and upper floors. The following damage has been noted: broken plastic window blinds; broken window panes; damaged roof structure of this house which is still under construction ­ about 50 tiles broken. Approximate area of the house is 100 ­ 110 sq. meters.

 

14. House No. 21 owned by MILAN NIKOLIĆ and ZORAN PEJKOVIĆ. Noted damage: broken blinds and window panes on the upper floor; 100 roof tiles broken. Approximate area of the house is 100 sq. meters.

 

15. House No. 19 on the same street, owned by SLOBODAN DJORDJEVIĆ, built recently of solid material, consists of the ground floor and the upper floor. Established damage: completely demolished plastic blinds which have been blown out of their frames; smashed window panes; torn parts of the structure with punctures of different size; more than 100 roof tiles broken. Approximate area of the house is 200 sq. meters.

 

16. House No. 18 owned by BORIVOJE KOSTIĆ: damaged walls on the western side, probably by blows of the material from the barracks compound. A large quantity of scattered material originating from the targeted facilities within the barracks compound have been found on this street, not only in the backyards but also on the macadam roadway, including almost 2 m long pieces of rafters from the roofs on the facilities within the barracks compound, as well as pieces of reinforced concrete weighing up to 100 kg. The approximate distance between this house and the barracks is about 200 m.

 

17. House No. 16, owned by STANIŠA DIMITRIJEVIĆ, approximate area of 150 sq. meters. Established damage: partially damaged roof structure and about 100 roof tiles broken; windows and doors blown out of their frames. The house is of recent date and built up of solid material.

 

18. House No.7, owned by DUŠAN CVETKOVIĆ, approximate area of 100 sq. meters, built recently of solid material has sustained damage: visibly damaged windows facing the street, i.e. plastic blinds and window panes broken; up to 50 roof tiles broken; all window glass smashed.

 

19. House No. 4, owned by BORIVOJE IVANOVIĆ, approximate area of 100 sq. meters. The following marks and damage have been noted: demolished roof structure including broken tiles on all sides and all segments of the roof (rafters and laths); all windows smashed and blown out of their frames; plastic blinds broken; furniture in some premises of the house covered with tiles and plaster from the ceilings; a large quantity of material originating from the bombed facilities within the barracks compound; garage door broken and blown out of its frame. The investigative judge has been informed that the door was damaged (a hole in the door) in the first bombing which took place on 6 April 1999.

There are visible marks of damage on the facade of the house such as punctures in the mortar caused by the blows of the pieces of concrete and bricks as a result of the detonation and bombing of the facility within the barracks compound.

 

20. On the house No. 5, owned by MILAN DIMITRIJEVIĆ and MILORAD DIMITRIJEVIĆ, on the same street the following marks of damage have been noted: before entering into the backyard one can notice, next to Stojan Stamenković Street, that the metal fence has been broken by the blow of a piece of reinforced concrete, so that almost the entire 2 x 2 m wide panel of the fence has been put out of its place. It has been also noted by further observation that on the ground floor of the house owned by Milan Dimitrijević there are visible marks that the fence on the terrace is damaged by the blow of a piece of reinforced concrete weighing about 150 kg which has been found in the backyard; also that the said fence has been completely broken down and separated from the remaining part of the terrace fence. Windows have been completely blown out of their frames and blinds have been smashed on the ground floor, the upper floor and in the attic. All window panes have been smashed on the side of the house facing the street.

On the basis of the observation made from the southern side of the backyard it has been noted that there are visible marks of damage on the roof structure and the attic, such as broken tiles on the entire southern side of the roof. On the basis of the observation of the northern side of the house which is owned by Milorad Dimitrijević visible damage has been noted : blinds on all windows have been smashed and blown out of their frames. In front of the main entrance shared by both owners of the house, there is a 1.5 m long beam which probably fell from the roof of some facility within the barracks compound.

On coming into the attic through the premises of the house and the main entrance door and upon observation of the roof structure from the attic the following distinctive damage has been noted: a 2 x 1.5 m wide hole in the roof and completely smashed rafters and laths on that section of the roof probably caused by the blow of a piece of concrete fragmented from the bombed facility within the barracks compound. Cracks in the walls of the house are also visible on the facade. The approximate area of the house is 200 sq. meters.

 

21. On the house No. 12 on the same street, owned by STOJAN and DUŠKO STEVANOV, approximate area of 100 ­ 150 sq. meters, the investigative judge has noted the following damage: windows facing the street have been deformed and blown out of their frames; plastic blinds on the windows torn down; window panes broken; damaged gutter facing the street; roof structure totally demolished since all roof tiles have been broken. On the southern side of the house facing the Army barracks located in Jugoslovenska Street there are visible marks of damage on all windows of the house consisting of the ground floor, the upper floor and the attic and built of solid material, such as: windows blown out of their frames and all panes and glass broken. On the southern side, 5 meters away from the house there is a piece of reinforced concrete which made a 1 x 1m wide crater in the ground; since the ground was wet the piece of reinforced concrete of at least 50 kg in weight threw the earth and mud on the southern facade of the house. During the inspection, a room looking like a workshop has been found on the ground floor. The present co-owner Stojan Stevanov explained that this is a shoemaker's shop of his brother Dušan and that some tools and machines on the window on the southern side have been damaged.

In front of the house there is an Opel Kadet passenger car, registration plates VR 110-964, owned by Stojan Stevanov, of red colour, with fresh and visible marks of damage caused by the bombing of the mentioned facilities within the barracks and by the blow of pieces of the fragmented material from the barracks. The back windshield has been smashed and almost all parts of the body of the car are damaged, particularly the hood which is completely dented by concrete and brick fragments. The investigative judge has further noted a radial crack on the front windshield made of security glass; also a thick layer of dust and other material all over the vehicle most probably as a result of the blast and bombing of the facilities within the barracks compound. Approximate area of the house is 110 ­115 sq. meters.

Upon the inspection of the attic the investigative judge has noted a 5 x 5m wide hole on the roof with no laths, rafters and tiles on that roof section.

 

22. On the house No. 3 located in the same street, owned by BUDA STOILJKOVIĆ, the following damage has been noted: roof structure of the house facing the street has been extensively damaged, i.e. broken laths and tiles the number of which cannot be determined with certainty but at least 100 roof tiles have been broken; damaged and deformed plastic blinds on doors and windows since the doors and windows have been blown out of their frames; deformed metal garage door. Inside the house there are ceiling fissures in some rooms on the ground floor. The house covering the area of approximately 80­100 sq. meters has been built of solid material.

 

23. On the house No. 10 on the said street, owned by MIROLJUB DIMITRIJEVIĆ, the investigative judge has noted that there are visible marks of damage on the facade, i.e. on the part of the house facing the Army barracks, in the form of punctures in the plaster probably caused by the blows of fragmented concrete, bricks or other material from the demolished facilities as a result of the bombing of the barracks compound. The windows on the ground floor are deformed due to partially blown out frames. Two pieces of concrete weighing about 100 kg have been found next to the house. The investigative judge has also established that the terrace fence on the upper floor has been damaged and that about 50­80 roof tiles have been broken. The house covers the area of approximately 120 sq. meters.

 

24. House No. 1 is owned by MIODRAG STANKOVIĆ who was not at home at the time of the inspection. The investigative judge has noted the damage on the roof tiles but it has not been possible to determine the exact number of the broken tiles. The investigative judge could not get the information about the exact size of the house either.

 

25. On the house No. 6 , owned by MILIĆ STANKOVIĆ, the following damage has been established: in the backyard of the house the investigative judge has found a piece of concrete block weighing about 100 kg reinforced with 16mm thick wire, which made a 2 x 2 m wide crater on the ground throwing the mud on the facade of the house. The windows are deformed; blinds and window panes have been smashed; roof tiles are broken.

 

26. House No. 4, owned by IVAN NIKOLIĆ who was not at home at the time of inspection. The investigative judge has noted that the roof has been damaged; 150 roof tiles are broken.

 

27. House No. 2 on the same street, owned by BRANISLAV TOMIĆ who was not at home at the time of the inspection. The house consisting of the ground floor, the upper floor and the attic, covering the area of approximately 200 sq. meters, has been recently built of solid material. The investigative judge has noted that the blinds of so-called French windows have been damaged; also that the roof is partly damaged but the number of broken tiles could not be determined by observation from the street.

 

 

III DAMAGE ESTABLISHED ON MIROLJUB STANOJEVIĆ STREET

 

1. On the house No. 4 on Miroljub Stanojević Street, owned by DUŠKO MIHAJLOVIĆ, it has been noted that 200 roof tiles have been damaged; also that the blinds on the windows have been blown out of the frames and torn down, in particular on the northern side of the house; main entrance door broken; the plastic blinds on the southern side of the house are also damaged.

The investigative judge has noted that the owner repaired the roof partly before the inspection; the broken tiles were replaced, as confirmed to the investigative judge by the owner.

In the backyard the investigative judge has found a Zastava 750 passenger car of white colour, registration plates VR 303­76, rather used. The body of the vehicle has been recently scratched and dented leaving marks of different shapes probably caused by the blows of fragmented material from the demolished facilities during the bombing of the barracks compound.

 

2. The house No. 8 on the same street, owned by SLOBODAN NIKOLIĆ, sustained the following damage: 100 tiles on the roof damaged; inside the house there are visible cracks on the ceilings in almost all rooms.

3. On the house No. 8 on the same street, owned by SLADJAN NIKOLIĆ from Surdulica, and attached to the previously described part of the house, the investigative judge has noted fissures on the ceilings in two rooms and in the kitchen; damaged plastic blinds which have been blown out of their frames; broken all window panes. The house covers the area of about 150 sq. meters.

During the on-site inspection by the investigative judge, the present forensic technician from the Department of the Interior in Surdulica, Stanimir Pavlović, photographed all civilian houses on the above indicated streets described in this report which have been damaged by the bombing of the Yugoslav Army barracks by criminal forces of the NATO Alliance, led by the United States of America as stated in the report of 27 April 1999. All the documentary evidence and other forensic documentation collected by the Department of the Interior in Surdulica constitute an integral part of this Investigation Report.

The investigative judge has also noted that all other statements to be made before the investigative judge who carried out this investigation, by civilians who may subsequently report the sustained damage as a result of the bombing but who were not at home at the time of the on-site investigation or who have not been included in this investigation, or by those who sustained bodily injuries as a result of the bombing, will constitute an integral part of this Report.

 

The investigation was concluded at 6.00 p.m.

 

 

IV OTHER INFORMATION

 

During the investigation and at the time of the arrival at the scene, the investigative judge received no information from authorized officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica on any injured civilians in the inspected houses on the indicated streets; during the investigation no civilian from those streets or from the streets nearby, has reported to the investigative judge that he/she had been injured as a result of the bombing of the Army barracks or of other civilian facilities on the said date.

In view of the conclusion contained in the previous information and confirmed in this Investigation Report that, because a large area has been affected by the bombing of the aggressor forces of the NATO Alliance led by the United States of America, on 27 April 1999, causing extensive damage on civilian facilities, as well as civilian casualties, it was not possible to conduct investigation by one investigative judge only. Consequently, the investigation has been conducted by three investigative judges. They included the President of the Court acting as investigative judge, who prepared this Investigation Report. However, although practically three investigation reports have been prepared under Nos. Kr.84, Kr.85 and Kr. 86/99, all these reports should be considered to be one integrated Investigation Report on the bombing referred to the above since the same event is covered by the reports.

The investigative judge, in cooperation with the members of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica has recommended that all civilians disposing of any information in respect of damaged civilian facilities or injuries should make statements either before the investigative judge who prepared this report or before other investigative judges who conducted the investigation. All these statements will constitute an integral part of the Investigation Report as pointed out above.

                                                                                                          Investigative Judge

(sgd) Dragiša Adžemović

Kri. No. 85/99

 

INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

Made by the investigative judge in the Municipal Court of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 relating to the bombing of the town of Surdulica and some civilian residential areas by the aggressors of the NATO Alliance on the same day between 12.15 and 12.35 p.m. which caused extensive material damage: the destruction of several family houses and the damage on a large number of family houses, as well as the death of several persons, i.e. children, women and men

 

IN THE PRESENCE OF

 

Investigative judge                                       Deputy District Public Prosecutor

MilČa Todorov                                              Biljana Marinković

 

                                                                         On behalf of the Municipal Department
                                                                                of the Interior Surdulica

                                                                         Dragoslav Ivanović,
                                                                                Criminal investigation police officer

 

                                                                         Milan Dimitrijević,
                                                                                Criminal investigation police officer

 

                                                                         Saša Stanković,
                                                                                Criminal investigation technician,                                                                                                     Secretariat of the Interior Vranje

                                         The investigation started at 2.20 p.m.

 

On 27 April 1999, between 12.15 and 12.35 p.m. the town of Surdulica and several of its residential areas were bombed. The bombing caused extensive material damage and the death of persons. Therefore, several investigative judges conduct investigation in selected residential quarters. Investigative judge MilČa Todorov has undertaken to conduct the investigation in the residential quarter which includes the following streets: Zmaj Jova St, Branislav Nušić St, Drinska Divizija St, Jugoslovenska St. and 5 September St. Two other investigative judges of this court conducted investigation in other parts of the civilian residential areas in Surudulica which were bombed. They will make their own investigation reports marked with Kr. numbers. All reports concerning the conducted investigation in individual civilian residential areas which were bombed by the aggressor on the said day, will constitute one investigation report on the consequences of the bombing.

Prior to the beginning of the investigation in respect of the bombing, a number of strong explosions were heard in the town of Surdulica. Authorized services of the police in Surdulica and other authorized services have informed the investigative judge that several missiles fired by the aggressors have struck directly the house of the Milić family from Surdulica, No. 11 Zmaj Jova Street, and that all members of this family and several other persons lost their lives in the room used during the bombing as a shelter; that there were 20 persons in the said room in the basement and that only one of them survived with severe bodily injuries, who has been transported to the hospital in Surdulica for treatment; that this seriously injured person has been further taken to a hospital in Niš; that the rescue teams of the Civil Defence Headquarters from Surdulica, of the Surdulica fire brigade and of the Yugoslav Army in Surdulica, as well as a large number of residents of Surdulica immediately began to pull out the victims buried under the ruins of the said house destroyed in the bombing, and help survivors, if any.

It has been noted that at the time of the bombing of the town of Surdulica and the mentioned residential areas of this town, as well as at the time of the investigation, the weather was fine: these was no precipitation and it was sunny and partially cloudy.

The investigative judge carries out an investigation of the destroyed and damaged houses on Zmaj Jova Street beginning from the intersection of this street with Jugoslovenska Street, southwards; on Drinska Divizija Street beginning from the intersection of this street with Jugoslovenska Street southwards to the end of this street; on Branislav Nušić Street beginning from the intersection of this street with Drinska Divizija Street until the intersection with Vojvoda Mišić Street; and on 5 September Street from the intersection with Drinska Divizija Street to its end eastwards.

All houses on both sides of the above mentioned streets which will be described separately in this report have been recently built of solid material. They consist of ground floor, upper floor and attic while some of them have also basement and cellar. In the backyards of some family houses there are auxiliary buildings, as well as passenger cars and freight vehicles. All houses in the mentioned streets are damaged: those which have been closer to the place of the explosion sustained more extensive damage, those hit by missiles are completely demolished, while the houses not in the close proximity of the site of the explosion are also considerably damaged, so that almost all houses in the mentioned streets are uninhabitable. In some family houses furniture in some rooms has been damaged. All houses on the said streets have sustained damage: all window panes smashed; windows blown out of the frames; blinds broken; fissures on the walls; parts of houses collapsed, such as roof structures, concrete eaves and other parts of construction material. As it has been noted above, the house of the Milić family which was directly hit by missiles which exploded has been razed to the ground, as well as another house on the same street which is north of the house of the Milić family. The house in the same street opposite the house of the Milić family towards the west has been completely destroyed and almost all walls of the rooms on the upper floor and those of the ground floor have been blown out.

The investigative judge has started his investigation with the inspection of the damaged houses at the intersection of Zmaj Jova Street and Jugoslovenska Street on the right-hand side of Zmaj Jova Street southwards.

­ House No. 94 is on the very right corner of the intersection of the mentioned streets. The investigative judge has been informed that Stanko Mitić and Slaviša Mitić are co-owners and that each one owns a half of the house.

This house consisting of the ground and the upper floors has been recently built of solid material.

All glass on the windows is smashed or cracked, including the glass on the skylight.

The blinds are also broken.

Roof tiles of the house are moved apart almost on all parts of the entire roof structure.

­ House No. 12 on Zmaj Jova Street owned by Dragica KovaČević is located from this house southwards or on the right-hand side viewed from the mentioned intersection towards the south. This is a new house built of solid material. It has the ground floor and the upper floor.

All window glass is cracked or broken; all window blinds are distorted and broken; front door and the door of the garage within the house are damaged; parts of the doors are broken or torn down. Roof tiles are apart and a number of them fell to the ground and broke. Wooden covering of the eaves is damaged and broken. The house is almost uninhabitable.

­ House No. 14 owned by Slobodan Stojanović is located next to the previously described house on the same side of the street. This is also a new house consisting of the ground and the upper floors. The house has sustained extensive damage: all window panes are broken or cracked; front door and garage door are blown out of the frames; roof tiles are apart and partly broken.

­ House No. 16 owned by Dragiša Ivanović is farther away on the same side of the street . This is also a newly-built house of solid material.

This house has also been considerably damaged: all window panes are cracked or broken; blinds on the windows are distorted and broken; roof tiles are apart and some are broken. The part of the southern side of this house, owned by Leposava Ivanović, sustained the same damage like the part of the house owned by the mentioned Dragiša because it is a house with two entrances.

­ House No.18 owned by Stojimen Radulović is next to the previously described house on the same side of the street.

This house consisting also of the ground and upper floors has been built of solid material. It has sustained considerable damage: all window glass is cracked or broken; window blinds are torn down; front door and inside doors are blown out of place; walls are damaged with fissures; roof tiles are blown down and broken; roof structure is damaged; auxiliary buildings in the backyard are also damaged. Parts of construction material blown out during the bombing of the family houses are scattered along the mentioned street.

Two vehicles have been noticed in the backyard of this house: a passenger car, make Zastava 101, and a freight vehicle, make Raba, which are damaged. At the time of the investigation there were no registration plates on the vehicles which had probably fell off as a result of the blast caused by missile explosion.

­ House No. 22 owned by Miodrag Andjelković is farther down the street. This house is almost completely destroyed. Windows and doors have been blown out. There is almost no tile on the roof. The tiles and other parts of the roof structure have been blown away, broken by the blast and scattered around the backyard and on the street. There are fissures on the walls so that the house is uninhabitable.

This ground floor house of earlier date has been built of solid material. A vehicle, make Rega 100C, registration plates VR 873-85, has been found in the backyard of the house. The investigative judge has been informed that this vehicle is owned by Aleksandar Milić who lost his life in the bombing of his house, which will be described separately in this report. The vehicle is completely damaged and deformed. Almost all auxiliary buildings in the backyard of this house are either demolished or damaged and cannot be used .

­ On the same side of this street farther down towards south is a house bearing no number, owned by Stanko Milošević from Surdulica. This house is almost completely demolished: all windows and doors have been blown out; the roof is damaged and it has partly collapsed; there are fissures on some walls; glass on all windows is broken or cracked. There is a vehicle, make Opel Export, with no registration plates, in the backyard; the vehicle is almost completely damaged. The investigative judge has been informed that the owner of this vehicle is a person who was killed during the bombing in the basement of the Milić family house where he found shelter. The name of this person is Staniša Djordjević from Surdulica, whose body has been identified after forensic examination together with other bodies of the victims.

­ Farther away is the house of Stanko Ivanov bearing no number. The roof of this house has completely collapsed; all tiles have been blown away; windows are blown out; all window glass is broken. The house is uninhabitable like the previously described house.

This house, like the others is newly built of solid material. It has the ground and upper floors.

­ House No. 16 owned by Staniša StaniČić on the same street. This house is almost totally demolished: windows are blown out; all glass is broken; doors are damaged and broken; walls have fissures. This is also a newly built house of solid material; due to the sustained damage it is now uninhabitable.

­ The next house is the house No. 28 owned by Miodrag Mihajlović. It has sustained extensive damage: all windows are blown out of the frames and deformed; all glass is broken; entire roof is deformed; auxiliary buildings in the backyard have also been damaged. The furniture in this house is almost totally destroyed while all window blinds are broken and deformed.

­ On the same side of the street is the house No. 30 owned by Aleksandar Rašić. This is a new house which has the ground and upper floors. All glass on the windows is broken. All blinds are torn down and deformed. The tiles are moved apart on the entire roof structure.

­ Next to the above house in the same direction which marks the end of Zmaj Jova Street, because it is farther closed for traffic as a dead-end street, there is the house No. 37 owned by Ratko Ilić which belongs to Osma Srpska Brigada Street. This house is newly built of solid material. It consists of the ground and upper floors. It has sustained serious damage: all window glass is broken; window blinds are broken or damaged; roof is distorted; walls are cracked.

­ At the end of this street there is a house with no number, owned by Vasil Vasilev, which house makes Zmaj Jova Street a dead-end street. This house sustained considerable damage: all window panes are broken; blinds are torn down; tiles on the roof moved apart; front door damaged; fissures on walls.

­ During the investigation the investigative judge has inspected and described the houses on the left-hand side of the mentioned street viewed from the direction of north towards south from where the houses on the right-hand side were also viewed. Next to the house, i.e. of the above described property of the mentioned Vasil, is the house No.13 owned by Vidosav Djordjević. This is a new house built of solid material. All window glass is broken; roof tiles are moved apart; there are fissures on the walls.

­ Next in the row is the house No. 15 owned by Radosav Nešić which is also a new house. It sustained extensive damage: all window glass is cracked; roof tiles are moved apart and partly broken; there are fissures on walls. Next to this house is the house No. 17 owned by Srdjan Milovanović and Goran Milovanović with No. 9. This house consisting of the ground and upper floors is also new and built of solid material like the rest.

It sustained the following damage: all glass is broken; doors of the house have been blown out; furniture in some rooms is damaged or destroyed; windows on this house are damaged; the wall on the northern side of the house is considerably damaged with punctures.

­ On the left-hand side from the above mentioned house towards north is the house No.11 owned by Aleksandar Milić who lost his life in the bombing on the mentioned day while the house was razed to the ground. At the time of the investigation rescue teams were pulling out the bodies of the victims from the rubble and transported them to the mortuary within the Surdulica hospital for identification. The investigative judge has been informed on the scene that this house consisting of the basement-cellar, ground floor and the upper floor has been recently built of solid material, i.e. that this was a new house, which can also be concluded on the basis of the rubble and construction material.

Further information has been also provided that this house was struck by a missile during an air-raid and that all persons inside the house lost their lives and that their identity will be determined subsequently, after forensic examination.

No crater is visible in the ruins of the said house because it has been covered by segments of concrete slabs of the demolished house. Furthermore, no fragments of exploded missiles can be found around the destroyed house. But small fragments of missiles are visible on the street, to the south of this demolished house.

Information has been provided at the time of the investigation that all members of the Milić family were killed there. The clearing of the rubble of the house was continued during the following day in order to find more victims which may not have been pulled out of the rubble during the day in the wake of the bombing.

­ Next to the above described house razed to the ground is the house No. 7 owned by Dragi Stevanović which has been almost completely demolished. It was a new house built of solid material. Two vehicles in the backyard of the house have been almost completely damaged: Lada Riva, registration plates VR 891-45 and a vehicle Golf 1, registration plates VR 896-44.

­ Next is the house No. 5-a owned by Stanko Rašić and the attached house No. 5 owned by Dragiša Rašić. It is a house with two entrance doors. All window panes are broken; blinds are torn down; there are fissures on the walls; roof is distorted; furniture inside the house is damaged. This two entrance house is now uninhabitable.

­ Next to this house is the house No.3 owned by Vlastimir Milenković. This house is also newly built of solid material. It has sustained considerable damage: all glass on the windows is broken; roof is distorted; entrance door and the doors inside the house are blown out of the frames and deformed; all blinds are torn down.

­ On the same street is also the house No. 1 owned by Nenad Nikolić and Velibor Nikolić. This new house has also sustained extensive damage: windows are blown out; roof is distorted; auxiliary buildings in the backyard are damaged; there are fissures on the walls of the house and outbuildings; blinds are completely broken. This house damaged in the bombing is also uninhabitable and has to be repaired.

­ At the very corner of this street and Jugoslovenska Street there is the house No. 96 owned by Rade Stojković. It is also a new house built of solid material. It has been extensively damaged: all glass is broken or cracked; blinds are broken; doors are blown out; there are cracks on the walls; tiles on the roof are moved apart and partly broken.

­ During the investigation the following family house located on the right-hand side of Jugoslovenska Street from the intersection with Zmaj Jova Street viewed from the east, has been inspected. This is the house No. 98 owned by Čedomir Radenković, which is also new and built of solid material. It consists of the ground and upper floors. It sustained the following damage: all glass is broken; blinds are disjoint; walls are damaged; roof tiles moved apart and partly broken. The entire house must be repaired.

­ The next house, No. 100, owned by Kocan Marinković, has been also damaged: all panes on the windows are broken and roof tiles are moved apart. It is also a newly built house.

­ Next to this house in the same direction is the house No. 102 owned by Miroslav Marković and Stojan Marković. It is also a new house and built of solid material. This house consisting of the ground and upper floors has sustained extensive damage: all
glass on the windows is cracked or broken; blinds are broken; roof tiles are moved apart and partly broken.

­ Farther down in the same direction from this house is the house No. 104 which is at the very corner of Jugoslovenska Street and Drinska Divizija Street. This new house consisting of the ground floor and the first floor, owned by Velibor Petrović and Dimitrije Milenov has also sustained damage: window panes are broken; blinds disjoint; glass on the skylight is also broken; doors damaged and blown out of the frames; roof tiles moved apart.

­ On the right-hand side of this street viewed from its intersection with Drinska Divizija Street towards the centre of the town the following structure have been noted: the backyard and building of the elementary school "Jovan Jovanović Zmaj". All window glass on this school is completely broken and there are fissures on the walls.

­ Farther in the same direction there is a multi-storeyed building, the so-called "Radomir's Hotel" which is a completely new facility built two years ago. Several window panes have been broken on this hotel.

­ Next to this building in the same street is the house owned by Toma Stanković. This new house consisting of the ground floor and the upper floor has also been seriously damaged: window panes are broken and roof tiles are moved apart.

­ Attached to the above described house is the house No. 51C owned by Dimitar Todorov. This new house consisting of the basement, ground floor, upper floor and loft has been built of solid material. It has also been damaged: window panes are broken; front door on the upper floor is damaged, i.e. it has been partly pulled out and its posts and board are cracked; tiles partly moved apart on the northern side of the roof.

­ Next to this house is the house of Branislav Djordjević who is temporarily working in Sweden. It is also a new house consisting of the ground and upper floors and it has been built of solid material. It has been partly damaged because some window panes are cracked.

­ The investigative judge has further observed the houses on the opposite side of the said street viewed eastwards from the direction of the centre of the town, and noted four-storeyed apartment buildings within the housing compound, called lamellae, from the intersection of Jugoslovenska Street and Vojvoda Mišić Street. The window panes on some apartments are cracked. All windows of a supermarket in the apartment building within the east complex are either cracked or broken. A kindergarten "Naša Radost" (Our Joy) opposite this housing complex has also been damaged, i.e. panes on some windows are cracked.

­ Farther down the street are the houses owned by Dobrivoje Stojanović, Radovan Savić, Milen Nikolov, Bojan Panajotov. These houses are new and built of solid material. All of them consist of the ground and upper floors except the house of Milen Nikolov which has a ground floor and a basement. All these houses have sustained damage such as: window glass is broken; blinds are distorted; roof tiles are partly broken and moved apart.

During his investigation the investigative judge has further inspected the houses on both sides of Drinska Divizija Street from its intersection with Jugoslovenska Street starting from the right-hand side southwards. The house No. 8 owned by Vojislav Ilić has also been damaged: all glass is broken; roof tiles are scattered around and partly broken; there are fissures on the walls; outbuildings are also damaged.

­ The next house No. 10 is owned by Radoil Stanković. It has sustained considerable damage: glass is broken; blinds are disjoint; there are fissures on the walls; tiles on the roof are partly broken.

­ Next to this house is the house No. 12 owned by StojanČe Kostić which has sustained similar damage like the previously described houses.

­ Next to this house is the house No. 14 owned by StojanČe Petković. This house is also damaged: all window panes are broken; roof tiles are moved apart and partly broken.

­ Next is the house No. 16 owned by Vojislav Milić located opposite to the above described house No. 11 on Zmaj Jova Street which has been razed to the ground in the bombing. The house of the mentioned Vojislav is also heavily damaged: panes on all windows are broken; blinds are broken; roof is damaged; there are fissures on the walls.

­ Next house is the house No. 18 owned by Stojadin Ilić which has also been damaged: glass is broken; blinds are torn down; roof tiles are broken. From this house in the same direction of the street is the house No. 12 owned by Čedomir Stojiljković which has sustained similar damage as the previously described one.

­ Next house is the house No. 22 owned by Rade Nešić which has also been damaged like the previously described houses.

­ From this house in the same direction is the house No. 24 owned by Miloje Sotirov which has also been damaged: glass is broken; blinds distorted; roof tiles moved apart and partly broken.

­ From this house southwards on the same side of the street is the house No. 26. In the backyard of this house there are two buildings: the new and the old houses owned by Aleksandar Nešić which have sustained the following damage: window panes are broken; roof tiles are broken and moved apart; blinds are damaged; the walls of the old house are cracked.

­ In the same row of the houses on the said street is the house No. 20-a owned by MomČilo Antić which has sustained the same damage as the previously described houses.

­ The next house is the house No. 28 of Gradimir Ristić which has sustained the following damage: glass is broken; blinds are broken; roof tiles are moved apart and partly broken.

­ In the same row of the houses is the house No. 32 owned by StojanČe Radulović which has sustained the same damage as the previously described houses.

­ Next is the house No. 34 owned by Aleksandar Arizanović. It is also a new house built of solid material like the previously described houses. It has sustained the following damage: window panes and blinds are broken and distorted; roof tiles are moved apart.

­ On the same side of the street there is a new house with no number owned by Branko Arizanović. It has also been damaged: all window glass is cracked; blinds are distorted; roof tiles are moved apart.

­ Next is the house No. 39 owned by Branko Trajković which has sustained the following damage: glass is broken; blinds are disjoint; roof tiles are moved apart and partly broken.

­ The next house, No. 40 owned by Budimir Trajković, has been recently built. Its window panes are damaged; window blinds damaged; roof tiles are broken and partly moved apart

­ The house No. 42 owned by Borivoje ­ Bora Trajković has sustained the same damage like the previously described houses.

­ On the same row of the houses is located the house No. 44 jointly owned by Stojan Nešić and Slavko KovaČević which has sustained the same damage like the previously described houses.

­ In the same street there is the house No. 46 owned by Ilija Dimitrijević which has been damaged like the previously described houses: window panes are cracked; roof tiles are moved apart and partially broken.

­ Next to this house is the house No. 48 owned Dragan Lazarević, Vladimir Lazarević and Danica Lazarević who share this house as joint owners. It has been damaged like the above described houses: window panes are broken; roof tiles are moved apart; blinds are distorted.

­ Next to this house is the house No. 50 owned by Vladimir Mihajlović and Dragan Stojiljković which has sustained the same damage like the previously described houses.

­ House No. 52 owned by Tomislav Stojanović and Ratko Nešić is damaged like the previously described houses: window glass is cracked: blinds are distorted; roof tiles are moved apart.

­ The following house, No. 54, owned by Jovica Džonić is in the same direction as the house No. 56 owned by Milorad Janković. Both houses are newly built and consist of the ground and upper floors. They are both damaged: windows glass is cracked; blinds are distorted; roof tiles are moved apart.

­ The investigative judge has further inspected the houses on the other side of the same street. On the opposite side of the street there is an apartment building with several apartments owned by Milka Marinković, Sladjan Dimitrijević, Cveta Aleksić, Branko Demirović and Blagoje Djordjević. All panes on the windows of this apartment building are damaged and the walls in the apartments are damaged and have fissures.

­ From this apartment building in the mentioned street viewed northwards there is an apartment building, No. 63, with several apartments which are owned by Rosanda Ilić, Aleksandar Ilić, Svetlana Ivanović, Dragutin Stanković, Dušanka Selaković and Slavica Kostić. The apartments in this building have sustained the same damage like the previously described apartment building.

­ In the same direction of this street there is a ground floor apartment building like the above described apartment buildings consisting of four apartments owned by Ika VeliČković, Stanimir Pavlović, Olga Zlatković and the owner called Ljiljana, whose last name the investigative judge could not find out either from the citizens or from officers of the Department of the Interior of Surdulica at the time of the investigation and preparation of the report. These apartments have also been damaged: all glass is broken; walls are damaged ­ cracks on the wall and plaster partly fell off .

­ The next house is also a ground floor building No. 59 owned by a person called Vesna whose name the investigative judge could not find out and who is a nurse in Surdulica hospital. This building consisting of one apartment is also damaged like the previously described houses.

­ The apartment owned by Dragi Ametović, marked with No. 51, has sustained the same damage like the previously described apartments.

­ In the same direction is located the apartment No. 49 owned by Muharem Sinanović which has sustained the same damage like the previously described apartments.

­ From these apartments in the same direction there is an apartment building with three apartments owned by Božidar Djordjević, Desanka Tomić and Goran Stamenković which have been damaged like the previously described ones: window panes are broken; fissures on the walls and plaster partly fell off.

­ In the same direction there is the apartment No. 35 owned by Dragan Stevanović which has sustained the same damage like the previously described apartment. In the same direction is also an apartment building owned by Dimitrije Djordjević, Aleksandar Stamenković, Branko Šušnjar, which has been damaged like the previously described apartments: all glass is broken; walls are partly damaged with fissures and plaster partly torn down.

­ From the above mentioned apartment buildings and apartments of the said owners in the same direction of this street to its intersection with Jugoslovenska Street there are two family houses attached to each other. The family house No. 23 owned by Vlastimir Rašić is a new house consisting of the ground and the upper floors and is built of solid material. It has sustained the following damage: window glass is cracked; blinds are distorted; roof tiles are partly moved apart.

­ From this house in the same direction is the house owned by Mihajlo Rašić. It is a new house built of solid material which has the ground floor, upper floor and loft. The glass on all windows of this house is broken; the glass on the skylight is also broken; roof tiles are broken and moved apart. The eaves of this family house bordered by wooden covering has been damaged: wooden covering is torn down and broken; plaster inside the house partly fell off; furniture in some rooms is partly damaged. On the east side of the backyard of this house there is a big rock which has been blasted out during the ensuing detonation of a missile and fell into the mentioned side of the backyard making a crater.

The front door of the house is completely distorted: i.e. the board of the door is broken like its posts and glass on the door. Window blinds of this house are completly damaged: i.e. they are distorted and broken.

During his investigation the investigative judge has visited and inspected the houses which have been damaged in the bombing and which are located in Branislav Nušić Street. This street is to the west from, and parallel with, Zmaj Jova Street. On this street there is a house No.15 owned by Vasko Vasilev. This is a new house, built of solid material. It has the ground and upper floors. It has sustained the following damage: all window glass is broken; front door has been damaged and blown out of the frames; windows with blinds are damaged; the roof is also damaged ­ tiles are broken and partly moved apart.

In the same street north from the described house there is a house owned by Vlasta Trajković. It is a new house consisting of the ground and upper floors which is built of solid material. It has sustained the same damage like the above described houses.

It has been noted during the investigation, on the basis of the inspection by the investigative judge that all houses on Branislav Nušić Street, both those on the left-hand and the right-hand sides, are newly built and of solid material and that they have a ground floor and an upper floor. All of them have been damaged in the same way: window glass is broken; blinds are distorted; roof tiles are moved apart. These houses are owned by: Miroljub Dimitrijević, Miloje Milojković, Miroljub Radivojević, Gradimir RadojČić, Gradimir Radenković, Staniša Radenković, Novica Radulović, Dragan StojanČev, Milorad MomČilović, Vasil Vasilev, Jordan Vasilev, Sava Vasilev, Milan Bogdanović, Dragan MirČev, Dragan Janković and Vasil Simeonov.

In order to determine the damage, the investigative judge has inspected the family houses located in 5 September Street starting from the intersection of this street and Drinska Divizija Street eastwards. In this area he has inspected the housing complex in the mentioned street, while another investigative judge of this court has conducted investigation in respect of the bombing in the same housing complex facing other streets. These houses on both sides of 5 September Street from the mentioned intersection eastwards are new and all are built of solid material and consist of the ground and upper floors. They are owned by: Dušan Djordjević, Stojan Dimitrijević, Slobodan Djordjević, Branko Nikolić, Dragoljub Nikolić, Dragoljub Dimitrijević, Voja RadojČić, Gradimir Trajković, Dušan Dimitrijević, Stojan Nikolić, Branislav Tomić, Sava Milovanović, Vojislav Stojanović, Dušan Radulović and Tomislav Stojanović. These houses have sustained the following damage: window glass is cracked; roof tiles are moved apart and partly broken; blinds are damaged; the rocks blown out as a result of the detonation of a missile explosion are scattered around the backyards of the mentioned houses. Therefore, the said damage on the houses needs to be repaired.

In the wider area of the civilian housing complex, the houses to the west vis-a-vis the above described houses on Branislav Nušić Street and 5 September Street towards the north which are also new and built of solid material are less damaged in comparison with the houses on the streets described in this report. Therefore, the investigative judge has not described separately each house in this wider area which he has inspected, although they have sustained damage as a result of the bombing but to a lesser extent.

Upon completed investigation based on the inspection and description of the above mentioned family houses and apartment buildings, the authorised police officers from the Secretariat of the Interior of Vranje have videotaped the same and made a photographic and technical documentation constituting an integral part of this Report. The present Reports together with the reports of the other investigative judges of this court made on the basis of their inspection of respective parts of the bombed residential areas, constitute an integrated whole, i.e. the Investigation Report.

The authorised police officers from the Department of the Interior in Surdulica have handed over to the investigative judge the parts of damaged firearms found in the house of Aleksandar Milić which has been totally demolished in the bombing after being hit by a missile, as well as one damaged pistol with a magazine taken out of the frame with seven 9mm caliber bullets. On the basis of his inspection the investigative judge has found out and noted in this report that a part of a firearm ­ pistol with number 58158 near the trigger has been found under the rubble of the bombed house of Aleksandar Milić . On the part of the damaged pistol near the barrel there is an inscription "Made in Yugoslavia" and on the opposite side there is an inscription "Crvena Zastava 99".

This pistol as a firearm has no handhold, while other parts which have probably been damaged at the time of missile explosion are also missing. There is a reddish dust on the surface and the inside of the pistol.

A barrel of a firearm without a butt, with trigger and some other parts, has also been handed over. At the tip of the barrel on the left-hand side there is an inscription "Kal. 8 x 75 JS", while on the part of the breech also on the left-hand side there is an inscription "Zavodi Crvena Zastava Kragujevac Jugoslavija". There are two triggers on this firearm but the handhold, i.e. the butt is missing.

The mentioned firearms­ pistol has been damaged on the right-hand side of the handhold and of the magazine which was taken out and which has no manufacturer number. When the pistol has been dismantled a number 673 has been found on its barrel which is not the manufacturer number. On the right-hand side of the frame where the barrel is to be fitted in there is an inscription "Made in Yugoslavia", while on the left-hand side there is an inscription "Crvena Zastava, Caliber 9mm K , model 67". There is a reddish dust on the surface and inside of the pistol. The investigative judge will hand over the parts of the damaged firearms, i.e. damaged pistol with magazine and seven 9 mm calibre pistol bullets, to the Department of the Interior in Surdulica because at the time of his investigation the investigative judge could not get any information about the owner of the mentioned firearms.

During the investigation, as well as before the beginning of the investigation and immediately after the bombing and destruction of the above mentioned house by a missile, rescue teams immediately began to pull out the bodies of the victims from the debris. They also transported them to the morgue of the Medical Centre in Surdulica for examination and identification of the bodies of the persons who lost their lives in the bombing. The investigative judge has invited a team of doctors from the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Niš: Professor Dr. Milija Spalević, Dr. Gordana Ilić and Dr. Tatjana Djordjević. The medical team and the investigative judge examined the bodies in the hospital morgue in Surdulica on 28 April 1999. The investigative judge will make a short description of the bodies in this report while the team of doctors will prepare a special report with their findings. The members of the Civil Defence Headquarters together with the team of doctors identified of the bodies of the persons who lost their life in the said bombing on 29 April 1999, and their findings and opinion will be submitted subsequently to the investigative judge. Therefore, the report with their findings will constitute an integral part of this Report. The identification has been made also on the basis of some personal belongings such as jewels found on the human remains and clothes on the bodies, as well as on the basis of the clothes and jewels on the bodies recognized by the relatives of victims.

Before the examination of the corpses transported to the hospital morgue by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica which is to be performed by the investigative judge and the medical team, the bodies have been laid down and marked with cones from No. 1 to 11 inclusive. Certain small parts of human bodies are marked with cone No. 12. The medical team will separately describe in detail each marked cone when making the report on its findings including its opinion.

During his inspection of all designated cones from No.1 to 11 inclusive, the investigative judge has noted that all bodies are decapitated since this part of the body has been smashed and all corpses miss either parts of facial bones or other parts of the scull. All corpses have been wrapped in a blanket or sheet. Upon taking off the sheets or blankets in which the bodies were wrapped or by which they were covered, the investigative judge has noted upon his observation the following ripped clothes on those parts of the corpses which were not dismembered: jeans, pullovers like vests, sweaters, tracksuits and undershirts. He has also noted footwear like shoes, sneakers or high sneakers on the feet of some corpses whose limbs were not completely smashed. Certain things like foreign currency and dinar banknotes have been found in the pockets of some parts of the clothes such as trousers. All this has been stated in detail in the written account made for each marked cone, i.e. corpse by the medical team. Therefore, the investigative judge has not described the above in detail in this report because the information of the medical team will be used for the report on forensic examination which will constitute an integral part of this report. Therefore, the written accounts related to the corpses designated with cone No. 1 to 11 inclusive and the corpse designated with cone No. 12 as corpse material, will also constitute an integral part of this report.

All parts of clothes which have been taken off during the inspection of the bodies, as well as jewels like rings, chains, bracelets and earrings, including money which has been found in the pockets of some corpses, have been described in detail and noted in the written information related to each body marked with a certain number, which will be enclosed to this report and which will constitute its integral part. All the mentioned items found on the corpses or on parts on their bodies or in the pockets of their clothes have been handed over to the relatives of the victims who have previously recognized the same. They have also signed the report made by the investigative judge on the examination of the bodies and establishment of their identity. This report will also include the names of the persons to whom various items or money have been handed over as the relatives of the victims.

Upon the identification of the corpses marked with cones with the above mentioned numbers, it has been established that cone No.1 designated as a corpse and cone No. 7 designated as a corpse contain in fact parts of human remains of one corpse which has been identified upon examination as the body of the now late Dragan Ivanović from Surdulica.

Also upon making identification of the corpse marked with cone No. 2 and corpse marked with cone No. 3 it has been established that those are the parts of one human body which has been identified upon examination as the body of the now late Vladimir Milić from Surdulica. More detailed data of this person will be given in the part of the report on identification of the corpses together with other data like the date and place of birth, names of parents of now late persons.

During the identification of corpses it was not possible to identify what part of human remains marked with cone No. 12 as a corpse, i.e. corpse material, by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica, belong to each corpse. This is the reason why this corpse material will be buried separately at a certain place by the appropriate service of the Hospital in Surdulica and upon the request of the investigative judge, as well as on the basis of the recommendation of the medical team.

 

Upon a detailed examination of all corpses by the medical team, upon inspection of clothes by the relatives of the victims, and upon their recognition on the basis of some characteristics, the process of identification of corpses has been initiated:

 

1. The corpse marked by the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cones
No. 1 and No. 7 has been identified on the basis of the clothes and items recognized by Mila Ivanović, relationship: wife, as the body of the now late Dragan Ivanović from Surdulica, born in Surdulica on 7 April 1960 of father Manojlo and mother Cvetanka.

Mila Ivanović, the wife of the now late Dragan Ivanović, has been handed over the items found of the corpse such as: remains of clothes and money in the amount of
DM 40 and 550 dinars, two pieces of papers which look like a list, a gold wedding ring and two gold chains.

 

2. The corpse marked by the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cones
No. 2 and No. 3 has been identified on the basis of the clothes recognized by Slavko Milić from Surdulica, relationship: uncle, from Surdulica, Kej Rade Cvetković No. 67, as the body of his now late cousin Vladimir Milić born on 29 December 1987 of father Aleksandar and mother Vesna.

Slavko Milić, as a close relative of the now late Vladimir Milić, has been handed over items of the clothes of the said corpse.

 

3. The corpse marked by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 4 has been identified on the basis of recognition by Vlastimir Rašić, relationship: husband, and Dejan Rašić, relationship: son, from Surdulica, Drinska Divizija Street No. 23, as the body of the now late Stana Rašić, nee Pavlović, from Surdulica, Drinska Divizija Street No. 23, born in the village of Vlasina Okruglica, on 23 October 1952.

Vlastimir Rašić, the husband of the now late Stana Rašić has been handed over the items found on the corpse such as: items of clothes, a ladies' wristwatch, a purse with one dinar, and one key for Elzett lock.

4. The corpse marked by the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 5 has been identified on the basis of recognition by Svetlana Djordjević, relationship: wife, from Surdulica, Novica DojČinović Street No. 33, as the body of the now late Staniša Djordjević from Surdulica, Novica DojČinović Street No. 33, born in Vranje on 10 February 1967 of father Svetislav and mother Stanka, nee Marković.

Svetlana Djordjević, wife of the now late Staniša Djordjević, has been handed over the items of the clothes, a gold ring, 1 030 DM and 770 dinars, one coupon for 10 l of diesel fuel and two slips of paper.

 

5. The corpse marked by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 6 has been identified on the basis of the clothes and certain items recognized by Slavko Milić from Surdulica, Kej Rade Cvetković Street, relationship: brother-in-law, as the body of the now late Vesna Milić from Surdulica, born in VladiČin Han on 12 September 1962 of father Vlasta and mother Stojana.

The mentioned Slavko Milić has been handed over the items found on the
corpse such as: two ladies' gold rings, a wedding ring, two parts of a gold chain and one gold earring.

 

6. The corpse marked by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 8 has been identified on the basis of the clothes, other items and parts of the corpse recognized by Slavko Milić from Surdulica, Kej Rade Cvetković Street, as the body of the now late Aleksandar Milić from Surdulica born in Surdulica on 1 December 1962 of father Vojislav and mother Stamenka.

Slavko Milić, relationship: a cousin of the late Aleksandar Milić, has been handed over the parts of damaged clothes.

 

7. The corpse marked by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 9 has been identified on the basis of the clothes and other items recognized by Slavko Milić, relationship: a cousin, from Surdulica, Kej Rade Cvetković Street, as the body of his nephew, the now late Miomir Milovanović from Aleksinac born in 1982 of father Slobodan and mother Milica, nee Milić.

Slavko Milić, the uncle of the now late Miomir Milovanović has been handed over the following items found on the corpse: a gold ring, a part of gold chain, one pendant in the form of a pistol bullet and a shoelace.

 

8. The corpse marked by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 10, has been identified on the basis of the clothes and shoes recognized by Slavko Milić from Surdulica, Kej Rade Cvetkovića Street, as the body of his niece, the now late Miljana Milić from Surdulica born on 22 February 1984 of father Aleksandar and mother Vesna.

Slavko Milić, the uncle of the now late Miljana Milić, has been handed over the items of her clothes.

 

9. The corpse marked by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 11 has been identified on the basis of clothes and items recognized by Slavko Milić from Surdulica, Kej Rade Cvetković Street, as the body of the now late Stamenka Milić from Surdulica, Drinska Divizija Street No. 16, born on 10 September 1933 in the village of Vlasina Okruglica.

Slavko Milić has been handed over the following items of the late Stamenka Milić who is his uncle's wife: DM 850, items of her clothes, a ladies' handbag with some medicines, one broken gold chain and three new dinars, as well as two pieces of broken bracelet.

All corpses have been videotaped and photographed together and individually by authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica and of the Secretariat of the Interior of Vranje during the examination of the corpses by the medical team in order to make a video recording and a photo-file. Both the video and photographic documentation constitute a part of this report.

Upon completed examination of the corpses and their identification, all the bodies were delivered by the investigative judge to an authorized representative of the Surdulica Municipal Civil Defence Headquarters. They have been laid down in coffins in the morgue of the Medical Centre in Surdulica and then taken to the building of the People's University in Surdulica where a commemorative ceremony has been held. After that the representatives of the Civil Defence Headquarters handed over the bodies to relatives who will bury them. The investigative judge has requested by a special letter that the small fragments of human remains marked by the authorized police officers of the Department of the Interior in Surdulica with cone No. 12 which could not be identified, be separately buried as unidentified parts of human bodies.

 

The investigation was concluded at 6.30 p.m.

 

Seal affixed

(Municipal Court of Surdulica, Republic of Serbia)

 

                                                                                                          Investigative judge

(sgd) MilČa Todorov

 

REPORT ON IDENTIFICATION OF BODIES AND AUTHOPSY REPORTS

 

 

On 28 April 1999, on request of the investigative judge, Milča Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica, the identification and examination of the corpses started in the Morgue of the Surdulica Outpatient Clinic at 12:30 p.m. The corpses were also photographed and filmed with a video camera both by the authorized Vranje and Surdulica police officers and by foreign journalists, first one by one and then as a group, after which the forensic medical examination of the corpses was proceeded to.

The police marked the parts of the dismembered corpses with official signs (cones) ranging from No. 1 to No. 11. The cone No. 12 indicated some amorphous corpse material with distinct macroscopic pieces of broken bones, scalp tissue with hair on it, and objects such as footwear and a piece of metal, a piece of a plastic box, with Delta ELM 2 written on it, containing a green greasy lubricant, and on which pieces of scalp tissue with hair were found.

 

CORPSE NO. 10

The dismembered parts of a corpse are on a white sheet on which there is a distinct piece of blue jeans with two square pieces of paper in the right rear pocket; on these papers various words, numbers, etc. are jotted down (Eurosport, CNN). The handwriting on these pieces of paper, with numbers and signs, has been recognized by the close relatives and a friend as being the handwriting of his friend born in Surdulica in 1967. Beside the described torn jeans pieces there are also pieces of a dark brown belt 40 mm wide found on the lower part of the corpse. The upper part is in a dark blue cotton T-shirt. There are banknotes in the left rear pocket of the jeans; one 20 DM banknote, two 10 DM banknotes; and three 100 Dinar banknotes, five 50 Dinar banknotes, and a note with telephone numbers (Šilja, Slavka, Srdjan, and on its back the telephone number 36-412, the name Nina, and some other notes). The lower part of the corpse has torn white cotton underpants smeared with blood and with patches of earth and sand on them. All the cranial, thoracic, and abdominal soft tissue is very torn and covered with particles of earth and dust with many pieces of torn skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as fractured bones. The hair on the scalp is graying, up to 40 mm long. Pieces of clothes, a gray velvet T-shirt, damaged and smeared with blood, are found on the superior part of the body. On the top part, at the level of the neck, is a completely ripped off right hand from the wrist upwards. In the torn tissue in this region two ripped off hands have been found, most likely female, which have yellow metal rings on the ring and small fingers. All the soft tissue of the neck, thorax and abdomen is completely torn and the torn pieces are bruised, with badly fractured ribs and spinal column. The skull bones are completely missing. Male genitals are preserved. Male pubic eminence. Pelvic bones are fractured in many pieces. All the soft tissue above medial part of the thigh is completely missing. There are pieces of stone, sand and glass in all the torn muscle tissue, blood vessels, nerves, fascia and abdominal organs. The appendix is 70 mm long.

 

CORPSE NO. 2

A part of a dark blue and red sweater, with „NBA champion" written on its front part, has been taken off the upper part of the dismembered child corpse. The sweater has a lot of mud on it and the name Marko is written on the right side of its bottom hem. There is a white long-sleeved vest under this sweater, which has a tennis racket and a sneaker with a five-pointed star stamped on it, and it is also smeared with mud and dry blood. Under this vest is a white T-shirt with a green pattern all over it. In addition to these pieces of clothes there is some white-reddish material, which resembles pieces of a rug-like blanket, found in the region of the back. The upper fourth parts of dark blue trousers, which are covered with dry mud, and have the label Calvin Klein on their front part and a belt, have been taken off the lower part of the corpse. The upper fourth of white underpants, which are smeared with blood and are made of the same material as the previously described white T-shirt on the upper part, are found under the pieces of the trousers and under them a pair of slips. The remains of the boy corpse are approximately 115 cm long. The hair is dark brown and about 40 mm long. The head is completely destructed and only a part of the scalp is preserved. Most of the scull and facial bones are missing. There is only a part of the mandible, its left half, with the following teeth in it: the middle incisor, eye-tooth, two premolar and two molar teeth. There is also a part of the right side of the maxilla, with two premolar and molar teeth in it and with preserved biting surfaces. The earlobe uvulas are preserved and free. The thorax and abdomen anterior part is preserved. However, there is a large gaping wound covering almost the whole posterior part, and bones and organs are protruding from it. There are no hairs on the chest, abdomen or pubic eminence. The male genital organ is about 3 cm long, the inferior side of the scrotum is torn and the spermatic cord is missing. What is left of the internal organs is a part of the lungs, the size of a child fist, a part of the left ventricle posterior wall, the size of a child palm, most of the liver, the size of 240 x 170 x 60 mm, and this tissue is torn and coloured by blood. Most of the intestine and stomach is missing, as well as the other abdominal organs. All ribs have multiple fractures and are mostly missing, as well as most of the spine. The right arm, with multiple fractures in it, and the left arm, with no hand on it, are present. The pelvic bones have multiple fractures and there is only the superior part, i.e. the upper third of both femurs. The edges of the thighs are badly torn and the bone ends are rugged. The left humerus is 23 cm long.

 

CORPSE NO. 3

The forensic examination began at 1:15 p.m.

The authorized police officials had first photographed the body designated with cone No. 3, first alone and then within the group, and the following was found.

 

Findings

The top part of the dismembered child corpse is dressed in a synthetic cyclamen colour jacket with a zip on its front. The back of the jacket is torn in many places, with the holes ranging from the size of a corn grain to the size of 50 x 10 mm. Under the jacket is another dark blue sweater with the letter N on it, which is ornamented with an angler's hook woven in white and yellow threads. Under the jacket is a cotton blue-and-green checked shirt. There are some pieces of a dark blue garment, most likely a sweater, with vertical stripes found in the torn tissue of the body parts. There is a pair of black neatly buckled up sneakers, size 37, with „Cons" „Made in Thailand" written on them, on the lower parts of the corpse. The feet have short cotton dark blue socks on, with a floral pattern and „Love Fe" written on them. Under the dark blue cotton trousers, in the level of the lower legs, there are long white underpants with a pattern in the form of stripes.

All the soft tissue and bones of the scull, thoracic and abdominal cavity, and in the pelvis are crushed, ragged, covered with sand and clay particles, and with tiny pieces of dry and fresh grass.

There is no doubt that these are the remains of a child corpse, which was determined by the intact parts of the body (feet and hands). Since certain body parts are missing, especially those important for establishing the sex, one can conclude only on grounds of the clothes that it is most likely the corpse of a boy.

 

CORPSE NO. 4

A woollen hand-knit black waistcoat, smeared with mud and torn in several places has been taken off the body. Under it is a turtleneck black sweater with rolled up long sleeves, also torn in several places. Under it is a black blouse with a collar, size 40, made of similar material like the sweater. There is an ellipsoid ladies' wristwatch with a dark blue dial, and also a bracelet made of greyish metal on the left arm. The middle finger of the right hand has a yellow metal wedding ring on it. Under the described clothes are a white vest and a white bra. A dark blue skirt, which is torn in many places, has been taken off the bottom part of the corpse, as well as a pair of thick black unihop tights and white cotton panties, all smeared with mud.

A completely separated part of the back, with the spine and both kidneys in it, has been delivered with the corpse No. 4. The kidneys are pale in the section and are of an amorphous structure. A part of the intestine and the appendix, 80 mm long, is also there.

The head is completely crushed and most of the cranial and facial bones are missing. Only a part of the mandible, its right side and an eyetooth in it, has been found. The preserved scalp tissue has some straight dark brown hair on it, which is about 100 mm long. Both earlobes are present, as well as the left eyeball, which has a dark chestnut iris and a 6 mm wide pupil. The breasts are the size of a male fist and no substance flows out of them when they are squeezed.

All ribs have multiple fractures and there is a huge gaping wound on the thorax, posterior and superior. A piece of the heart, the size of a child's palm, and torn pieces of the lung tissue, and a part of the liver tissue the size of a male fist, have been found in the huge wound. The described tissue is torn and shows blood coloration in the sections. Most of the intestine is present, containing standard yellowish mushy contents in it, also a torn stomach, which is completely empty. The urinary bladder is preserved and without any contents in it. The uterus is the size of a goose egg and its mucosa is covered with a bloody slimy content. The ovaries are of normal size and structure. The bones of both arms and of both lower legs have multiple fractures. The left foot is crushed and the right one has multiple fractures. The longest bone piece is 20 cm long. The femur is 375 mm long.

The clothes on the corpse No. 4 have been recognized by relatives, and it is most likely the body of Stana Rašić, from Surdulica, born on 23 February 1952 in Žitoradja.

 

CORPSE NO. 5

The corpse was first photographed, alone and with the other corpses. Fingerprints were taken afterwards. According to the statements by relatives and acquaintances it is most likely the corpse of the late Staniša (father's name Svetislav) Djordjević, from Surdulica, born in 1967.

There are torn "Sport" men's sports shoes next to the corpse, which have an indistinct blue-and-red hemming, including the words "Victory BC 610 ­ The Brand Top Winners" on them.

The corpse trunk is in a badly torn white cotton knitwear vest, and over it, in the region of the left arm, there is a dark blue "Nike" (P) sweater. There is a yellow ring on the ring finger of the right hand with an ornament in the form of two leaves engraved on it. There are no other clothes on the upper part of the trunk while its lower part is in torn white cotton underpants; male genitals preserved. The lower part of the corpse is in torn blue jeans that have a yellow partly buckled up double Levi's belt around the waist.

There are three 10 DM banknotes, as well as five 20 DM banknotes, four 50 DM banknotes, and seven 100 DM banknotes in the left rear pocket. In the same pocket there are also four 100 Dinar banknotes, four 50 Dinar banknotes, two 20 Dinar banknotes, one 10 Dinar banknote and four 5 Dinar banknotes, as well as some personal notes on a piece of paper that has the heading "PIK Niš ­ Niška plemenka", and a 10 litre diesel coupon for April 1999, with the car license plate No. VR-828-10 written on it.

There are a number of pieces of paper - photocopies with various signs and numbers, and a price list for standard satellite systems in the rear right jeans pocket. There is also a piece of paper with „Vlasinske hydrocentrale Surdulica (Vlasina hydro-electric plant­Surdulica), telephone numbers 017-85128 and 85627", and some abbreviated words scribbled on it. All the soft tissue on the upper part of the corpse, as well as the cranial bones are completely crushed. There is some black hair, not longer than 30 mm, on the hairy region on the back of the head.

The feet are in white, torn, synthetic socks. All the soft tissue of the chest and abdomen is badly torn, covered with particles of whitish dust and sand. There are male hairs, and the genital organ is intact. The part of the umbilical cord, protruding like a hazelnut-size wart approx. 15 mm above the skin, is important. The soft tissue and the pelvic bones torn and crushed, as well as the soft tissue of the right thigh, inferior and anterior, and of the top of the left foot.

All the internal organs from the cranial base to the pelvis are torn and mushy, amorphous, with earth on them, and a piece of the metal belt buckle in the form of the Cyrillic letter P is found in the tissue. There is an old scar from the appendix surgery, the size of 60 x 5 mm, on the right inferior part of the abdomen.

The authorized police officers have taken fingerprints. There is a piece of wood in the abdominal region ­ a piece of parquet with an irregular piece of metal in it, probably a missile fragment.

 

CORPSE NO. 6

A dark blue Nike tracksuit sweater has been taken off the trunk. Under it is a long sleeve Turkish-towel blouse with a pale violet back and a bluish-green front, which is torn in many places. Under it is a white cotton sleeveless undershirt and a white cotton bra, torn in several places and smeared with blood and mud. What has remained of the pants of the previously described tracksuit, as well as the bottom part which matches in color with the Turkish-towel blouse, has been taken off the lower part of the body. Both are torn in many places. White cotton panties, with a sanitary napkin in them with dark brown red contents resembling dry menstrual blood on its inner side, have also been taken off. A pair of slippers, size 39, which are very mudded, have been found next to the body. A golden earring in the form of a ring was taken off the left earlobe, and four pieces of a broken yellow-metal chain, three of them of different thickness. Short dark blue synthetic socks have been taken off the feet.

The head is completely crushed. The scalp remains have brown straight hair on them, which is not longer than 50 mm and which has partly bleached ends. The left earlobe has an earring in it, described above. A part of the mandible, its left side with the first three teeth in it, has been found. The remaining mandible left part has also been found. It has only the second molar in it and the dental sockets of the other teeth in the left mandible are closed. The described part of the mandible has also the first right incisor. The left eyeball also has been found. Its iris is chestnut color and the pupil is 5 mm in diameter. A part of the left maxilla, with two molars and a premolar in it, has also been found.

There is a huge gaping wound on the upper part of the trunk, superior and posterior, which encompasses most of the back. All the ribs are fractured and most of them are missing. The largest part of the spine is present. The lungs and heart are completely missing.

There are also parts of the intestine, the uterus, which is the size of a goose egg and whose mucosa is covered with a slimy bloody content. The urinary bladder is preserved and empty. The right arm is completely missing, and there is only the elbow of the left arm, which is bound to the shoulder by a strip of skin. The left hand is missing. Only the superior part of the left thigh is present, as well as a part of the left foot and a crushed inferior part of the left lower leg. The right leg has multiple fractures in the region of the hip, knee, lower leg, and foot. The right foot is 21 cm long and the femur is about 39 cm long.

The clothes and jewellery on the corpse No. 6 have been recognized by the relatives and acquaintances, and it is most likely the body of Vesna Milić, born on 12 September 1962 in Vladičin Han, living in Surdulica.

Two female hands have been found next to the corpse No. 1. According to the anatomic characteristics and jewellery on them they most likely belong to the corpse No. 6.

 

CORPSE NO. 7

The corpse marked by the authorized police officers with cone No. 7 has only the lower parts of the dismembered body, as well as the right forearm and hand, on which there is a yellow metal wedding ring. There are pieces of dirty torn jeans on the lower legs, and the feet have torn synthetic socks with red and blue stripes 10 mm wide on them. There is a black shoe on the left foot fastened with a shoelace and a corresponding torn black shoe is found next to the right foot. The size of the shoes is 44. Beside the dismembered body pieces there are pieces of a torn cotton vest, pieces of ceramic tiles, as well as pieces of torn skin and soft tissue.

On the basis of the description given to the relatives and after they recognized the pieces of clothes, it is supposed that these body parts marked with No. 7 belong to the dismembered corpse designated with No. 1, namely that these are the body parts of the late Dragan Ivanović, from Surdulica, born in 1960 (father's name Manoil).

 

CORPSE NO. 8

The corpse designated with cone No. 8 consists of parts of the body below the lumbar plane. The parts are very torn, covered with earth, and there are wooden chips, pieces of stone, and particles of earth on them. All the soft tissue is destructed. There are remains of short underpants with vertical blue, green and red stripes on the remaining lower part of the corpse. There are also parts of tracksuit pants, size 7, with colour stripes on them in the level of lower leg, waist and bottom (three white stripes 10 mm wide and 10 mm apart on the right side). The feet have synthetic blue socks with rectangular black ornaments on them. There is an Adidas sports shoe on the right foot, fastened with a shoelace, and it has blue and yellow trimming. The left counterpart has been found beside the body parts, however, it is very damaged.

Pieces of preserved skin and a damaged male genital organ are found in the torn pelvic tissue.

The corpse parts described in this report belong to a male, and since the hands are missing its fingerprints could not be taken.

CORPSE NO. 9

The head of the corpse marked by the police officers with cube No. 9 is completely smashed. The trunk is dressed in a dark blue sweater with the letter N on it, probably standing for Nike. Under this sweater is a cotton T-shirt with "Original GX - Jeans" written on it. A damaged yellow ring with a plate in its middle has been found on the right ring finger. There is a 10 mm wide blue band with vertical white stripes around the right wrist, which is also damaged. The belt around the waist is torn in several places. There is a broken yellow chain around the neck, which is in the form of the „Sindžir" ornament, and next to it is a pendant shaped like a small arms projectile. There is also a 2mm wide shoelace around the neck tied in the form of a noose.

The lower part of the corpse is dressed in dark blue jeans and there is nothing in the pockets. Under the jeans are long green-patterned underpants and a pair of synthetic black and white striped underpants.

All the soft tissue of the scalp and neck is completely torn. Black hair, about 60 mm long, is found on the remaining parts of the scalp.

The feet have sneakers on them, the Heix Aleite Reebok, with bluish stripes, size 44.

The feet also have blue synthetic rhomboid-patterned socks on the front.

After the clothes, sneakers, ring, chain and the projectile-like pendant were shown to the relatives it was established that this is the corpse of Miomir Milovanović, from the village of Alakinac, municipality of Surdulica.

The soft tissue of the neck is covered with particles of earth, gravel, and chips of wood. The facial bones are crushed, except for the mandible in which the 6th right side tooth is missing. Many pieces of wood are found in this torn tissue, most likely originating from the parquet.

There is a large gaping wound on the left side of the thoracic cavity, just bellow the shoulder blade plane. It is the size of 16 x 10 cm and parts of the lungs and the whole heart are protruding from it. The sides and edges of the wound are torn, covered with particles of earth and dust, and with pieces of fractured bones and wooden chips in them.

There is a similar wound found on the left lower leg, inferior, and another one above the left knee with completely barren greyish-brown sooty bones protruding. The right lower leg above the ankle is completely deformed and one can see and palpate multiple bone fractures in the left lower leg. There is a large wound with torn edges extending from the armpit downwards. It is the size of 30 x 15 cm. The intestine and colon are torn in many places and protruding from it. A part of the abdomen, inferior, the groins and the genitals are intact and on grounds of the latter one can conclude with certainty that it is a male corpse. All the bones above the rib cage, the rib cage itself, and the ribs have multiple fractures. The tissue in these regions is torn with signs of massive bleeding in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Both the liver and spleen are split. The appendix is 110 mm long. All bones in the spine are crushed in many places. The bones of the left lower and upper legs, in the region of the knee, and the ankle, have multiple fractures. The inferior end of the right lower leg is crushed and the fractures extend from the inside to the outside where there is a gaping wound from which the inferior end of the right shinbone is protruding. A part of the intestine, and especially the colon end, is intact. There is about 100 ccm of clear urine in the urine bladder. The entire soft tissue in the pelvis region is very bruised.

 

CORPSE NO. 10

The following has been taken off from what has remained of the female corpse: High black shoes with shoelaces, known as the Martin shoes, the model Adventure, size 39; short dark-blue cotton socks with a pattern of Bugs Bunny, gray color; ragged remaining parts of dark green cotton trousers torn in several places, thick dark green unihop tights, also torn in several places, and white panties under them, also torn; ragged pieces of a black and white blouse.

The head is completely crushed. There is only the part of the nose at the right nostril, most of the left earlobe, and a minor part of the right earlobe. Straight dark-chestnut hair, about 60 mm long, is found on the remaining scalp tissue. Almost all the facial and cranial bones are missing. The superior part of the trunk is crushed. The right arm is completely missing, as well as most of the spine and ribs. There is only the inferior part of the left forearm, the part immediately above the hand, which is crushed, as well as the thumb, forefinger and ring finger, which are distinctly recognizable. The thoracic organs are completely missing. Some of the intestine, with standard intestine contents, is present. The uterus is the size of a chicken egg, and the ovaries are of the corresponding size and structure. There are multiple fractures on the pelvic bones, on both femurs, on both shinbones and on both feet. The femur is approximately 40 cm long.

The relatives and acquaintances have recognized the pieces of footwear and clothes belonging to the corpse No. 10, and it is most likely the body of Miljana Milić, born on 22 February 1984, living in Surdulica.

 

CORPSE NO. 11

The following has been taken off from the remains of a female corpse: a woollen hand knit yellowish waistcoat and a navy blue waistcoat buttoned up front; a long-sleeved green synthetic sweater, "Serbest" make; a yellow-green T-shirt, an orange slip, and a white bra. What is left of a navy blue lined skirt, with the "Superfine Worsted, made in Europe" written on the upper hem inside, has been taken off the lower part of the body. A pair of thick brown unihop thighs and a pair of cotton panties were under this garment.

The head is crushed. The remaining part of the scalp has curly chestnut hair, about 60 mm long, and a lot of grey hair. Parts of the lungs and heart are found in the crushed trunk. The left arm and spine down to the lumbar plane are missing. A part of the skin and muscles that had covered the right arm, and a part of the right hand, namely the thumb and a part of the index finger is all that has remained of the right arm. Parts of the intestine, the uterus, the ovaries and the bladder, which is without any contents in it, have been found in the abdominal cavity. The pelvic bones are broken, and there are multiple fractures on the right femur, from which a part of the right lower leg and right foot are dangling on a strip of skin. Only the superior part of the left thigh is present, as well as some pieces of the left lower leg tissue. The left foot is completely missing.

There are standard intestinal contents in the present intestine. The right femur is approximately 32 cm long.

A 100 DM banknote was found in one white handkerchief with blue edges, while six 5 DM banknotes, and three 50 DM banknotes have been found in another floral-patterned handkerchief. A golden chain with a hollow cross pendant on it has been found on the remains of the corpse, as well as three pieces of another, somewhat thicker chain.

The clothes on the corpse No. 11 have been recognized by the relatives and acquaintances, and it is most likely the body of Stamenka Milić, born on 10 September 1933 in Vlasina Okruglica, living in Surdulica.

 

CORPSE NO. 12

The remains of the corpse marked with cone No. 12 consist of five piles of crushed bone tissue and parts of bones, skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the hairy parts of the scalp, from which hair samples have been taken for comparison. Bones with multiple fractures have been found (the vertebrae, thighbone, ribs, upper arm and forearm bones, and pelvic bones as well as the intestine and colon pieces). All this tissue has a lot of earth, dust, small gravel and pieces of wooden chips in it. In some regions the tissue is torn and with dark blood coloration. There is a male left hand found at cone No. 3, which is marked with No. 12. It has the fingers and tissue on it, from the wrist to the tip of the fingers.

Very deformed hands, which most likely are female, have been found in the crushed tissue of the corpse No. 1. The authorized officers took the fingerprints of the right index finger. There is no doubt that these hands do not belong to the corpse No. 1, although the hands have been found in the crushed tissue of the corpse No. 1, because the hands belonging to it have also been found.

 

 

CORPSE No. 1

On 29 April 1999 the relatives, and especially the wife of the now late Dragan Ivanović, Mila Ivanović, was shown the clothes and other objects found at the corpse. The wife stated with certainty that it was the body of her late husband, Dragan Ivanović, who was killed in the bombing on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. She said that her husband had suffered from no disease, that his hearing and eyesight were good, and that he did not consume alcohol.

The found valuables were handed to the authorized police officers, i.e. the investigative judge.

 

CORPSE No. 3

After the relatives, and especially Slavko Milić, from Surdulica, had examined the pieces of clothes and especially the socks, they stated that the clothes belong to the late Vladimir Milić, from Surdulica, born in 1987, a pupil, who was a healthy person, with good hearing and eyesight. He was killed in the bombing on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

CORPSE No. 4

After the husband Vlastimir Rašić and the son Dejan Rašić, from Surdulica, had examined the clothes in detail, and after they recognized the wristwatch taken off the corpse, the two of them stated with certainty that the clothes and watch belonged to the late Stana Rašić, born in the village of Vlasina Okruglica on 23 October 1952, a worker. She suffered from no disease. She was a healthy person with good hearing and eyesight. She was killed in the bombing on 27 April at 12:30 p.m.

 

CORPSE No. 5

After the wife, Svetlana Djordjević, had examined in detail the remaining clothes and footwear, especially the sports shoes and socks, she confirmed that the found clothes and shoes belonged to Staniša Djordjević, from Surdulica, born in Vranje in 1967, residing at No. 33 Novica Dojčinović St., Surdulica, who was killed in the bombing on 27 April at 12:30 p.m. He was a healthy person, his hearing and eyesight were good, he was a smoker, but he did not consume alcohol.

 

CORPSE No. 7

The relatives have examined the clothes and footwear, and especially the socks, and after recognizing them and comparing them with the clothes found on the body parts of the corpse No. 1, it has been established that the clothes belonged to the late Dragan Ivanović. It has also been established that the clothes found at the cone No. 1 and at cone No. 7 are identical and they belong to the same person.

CORPSE No. 8

After the relatives, and especially Slavko Milić, from Surdulica, had examined the pieces of clothes and the preserved shoes, they stated that the clothes belong to the late Aleksandar Milić, from Surdulica, a worker, who was a healthy person, with good hearing and eyesight, who smoked and consumed alcohol moderately. He was killed in the bombing on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

CORPSE No. 9

After Slavko Milić and Slobodan Milovanović had examined in detail the pieces of clothes and shoes, they stated that the clothes belong to the late Miomir Milovanović, a student born in 1982. According to them he was a healthy person, with good hearing and eyesight, and he did not smoke or consume alcohol. He was killed in the bombing on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

By comparing the pieces of clothes of the corpse No. 2 and corpse No. 3 and after examining the parts marked (2 and 3) it can be established with certainty that the pieces of clothes, especially the bottom part of the pyjamas, the sweater, and the jeans are identical in every aspect. After a detailed examination by the authorized police officer and the investigative judge, including the comparison of the bodily parts, it is considered very likely that the corpses marked with cones Nos. 2 and 3 belong to one and the same corpse, which has been established on the basis of the items of clothes recognized by the relatives to be the corpse of the late Vladimir Milić, from Surdulica, born in 1987.

 

CORPSE No. 10

After the pieces of clothes had been examined in detail by the uncle, Slavko Milić, the said Slavko Milić stated that without any doubt the clothes and footwear belong to the corpse of Miljana Milić, from Surdulica, born on 22 February 1984. She was killed in the bombing on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

CORPSE No. 11

After the jewellery and clothes had been examined in detail by Slavko Milić, the nephew, the said person stated that all the clothes and jewels belong to the corpse of Stamenka Milić, from Surdulica, born in Vlasina Okruglica on 10 September 1933, who lived in Surdulica. She was killed in the bombing on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 hours.

 

MATERIAL MARKED WITH CONE No. 12

In view of the fact that there aren't complete, recognizable bodily parts in the gathered material marked with cone No. 12, and that it consists of amorphous material made up of pieces of intestine, wood, chips, pieces of stones, etc. it is assumed that these are human remains, which come from the previously described corpses.

 

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL COURT

- Investigative Judge M. Todorov -

SURDULICA

 

 

 

On 28 April 1999, after 12:30 p.m., on request of the Municipal Court in Surdulica, the identification and examination of the corpses was made in the Morgue of the Surdulica Outpatient Clinic. The corpses were previously photographed together with records, first one by one and then as a group, both by the authorized Vranje and Surdulica police officials and by foreign journalists, after which the forensic medical expertise of the corpses started.

The parts of the dismembered corpses were designated by the police officials with cones ranging from No. 1 to No. 11. The cone No. 12 indicated some amorphous corpse material with distinct macroscopic pieces of bones, scalp tissue with hair on it, and objects such as slippers, metal, pieces of plastic, and especially a piece of a plastic jar with Delta LM 2 written on it, containing a green greasy lubricant.

On grounds of the circumstances in this case, the findings, and fingerprint results given by the Vranje and Surdulica police investigative organs, there is no doubt that these are the corpses of:

 

1. S-73/99 DRAGAN IVANOVIĆ, born in Surdulica in 1960;

2. S-74/99 VLADIMIR MILIĆ, born in Surdulica in 1987;

3. S-75/99 STANA RAŠIĆ, born in the village of Vlasina Okruglica, municipality of Surdulica in 1959;

4. S-76/99 STANIŠA DJORDJEVIĆ, born in Surdulica in 1967;

5. S-77/99 VESNA MILIĆ, born in the of village of Prekodolce, municipality of Vladičin Han, in 1960;

6. S-78/99 ALEKSANDAR MILIĆ, born in Surdulica in 1962;

7. S-79/99 MIOMIR MILOVANOVIĆ, born in Surdulica in 1982;

8. S-80/99 MILJANA MILIĆ, born in Surdulica in 1984;

9. S-81/99 STAMENKA MILIĆ, born in the village of Vlasina Okruglica, municipality of Surdulica, in 1933;

 

 

6 May 1999

In Niš                                                                                               FORENSIC DOCTORS

                                                                                                         Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

                                                                                                         Dr. Goran Ilić

                                                                                                         Dr. Tatjana Djordjević

No. S-73/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late DRAGAN IVANOVIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

Recording clerk:                             B. Stojanović                       

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 12:30 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Dragan Ivanović

Father's name:                                Manoil

Place and year of birth: Surdulica, 1960

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                                   

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the corpse, designated with Nos. 1 and 7, was recognized by Mila Ivanović, the wife of the now late Dragan Ivanović, who had been shown the found clothes and who recognized the clothes her husband was wearing. She said that her husband had suffered from no disease, that his hearing and eyesight were good, that he was not a smoker, and that he consumed alcohol moderately.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CORPSE

The dismembered parts of a corpse are on a white sheet and are designated with the cube No. 1. The clothes over these parts are evidently torn. There is a piece of blue jeans with two square pieces of paper in its right rear pocket, on which various words, numbers and signs are written (Eurosport, CNN, and many others). The handwriting on this paper, with numbers and signs, has been recognized by the close relatives as being the handwriting of a friend of the now late Dragan. Beside the torn jeans pieces there are also pieces of a dark brown belt 40 mm wide found on the lower part of the corpse. The upper part is in a dark blue cotton vest. There are banknotes in the left rear pocket of the jeans; one 20 DM banknote, two 10 DM banknotes; and three 100 Dinar banknotes, five 50 Dinar banknotes, various notes and telephone numbers (Šilja, Slavka, Nina Srdjan, and some other notes). The lower part of the corpse has white cotton underpants smeared with blood and with patches of earth and sand on them.

 

A. EXTERNAL FINDINGS

All the cranial, thoracic, and abdominal tissue, as well as the tissue on the limbs is badly torn, covered with particles of earth and dust of different sizes up to the size of a walnut. There are several pieces of torn skin with hair on it, and severely crushed scalp tissue and cranial bones in the region of the scull. The preserved hairy parts have hair not longer than 40 mm on them. On its superior part, at the level of the neck, there is a ripped off right hand from the wrist upwards. In the torn tissue in this region two ripped off hands have been found, most likely female, which have yellow metal rings on the ring and small fingers.

All the soft tissue in the thorax and abdomen is completely torn and the torn pieces are bruised, with badly crushed nerves and the spinal column.

The genitals are partly torn in several places. However, there is no doubt that it is a male genital organ and a male mons pubis.

All the soft tissue from the level of the upper arm superior part is completely missing. The abdominal organs are party preserved and the 70 mm long appendix is distinct.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Detractio corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Destruction with signs of recent bleeding in all organs.)

 

II

The corpse designated by the authorized police officials as No. 7 has only the lower parts of the dismembered body, as well as the right lower arm and hand, on which there is a yellow metal wedding ring. There are pieces of torn jeans, and the feet have torn synthetic socks with red and blue stripes 10 mm wide on them. There is a black shoe on the left foot fastened with a shoelace. A corresponding torn black shoe is found next to the right foot. The size of the shoes is 44. Beside the dismembered body pieces there are pieces of a torn cotton vest, pieces of ceramic tiles, as well as pieces of torn skin and of internal organs.

After a detailed examination of the corpse parts, designated by the investigative organs and the authorized Vranje and Surdulica police officials, and after comparison of the pieces of clothes, and especially after they were recognized by the close relatives, there is no doubt that the remains designated with the cone Nos. 1 and 7 belong to the now late Dragan Ivanović, from Surdulica, born in 1960.

 

CONCLUSION

I On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined corpse remains there is no doubt that it is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III After being recognized by the relatives and also on grounds of the findings one can say that the corpse parts designated by cones No. 1 and 7 are most likely the remains of the late Dragan Ivanović.

 

 

FORENSIC DOCTOR                                                          DIRECTOR

Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević      Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL COURT

­ Investigative Judge M. Todorov ­

SURDULICA

 

 

 

The remains of the corpse designated with cone No. 12 have been examined in detail. They consist of crushed bone tissue and parts of bones, skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the hairy parts of the scalp, from which hair samples have been taken for comparison. Bones with multiple fractures have been found (the vertebrae, ribs, thighbones, humerus, ulnae, radii, and pelvic bones). The intestine and colon pieces, as well as other kinds of tissue, have a lot of earth, dust, small gravel and pieces of wooden chips on them. In some regions the tissue is torn and with dark blood coloration. There is a male left hand found at cone No. 3, which is designated with No. 12. It has the fingers and tissue on it, from the wrist to the tip of the fingers.

Very deformed hands, which most likely are female, have been found in the crushed tissue of the corpse No. 1. The authorized officials took the fingerprints of the right index finger. There is no doubt that these hands do not belong to the corpse No.1, although the hands have been found in the crushed tissue of the corpse No. 1, because the hands belonging to it have also been found.

The gathered material designated with cone No. 12 has no complete and recognizable corpse structures. It consists of an amorphous mass of torn intestine, pieces of wood, stones, etc. and is presumably human and belongs to the previously described corpses.

 

 

 

Niš, 28 April 1999                                 FORENSIC DOCTORS

                                                                                1. Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

                                                                                2. Dr. Goran Ilić

                                                                                3. Dr. Tatjana Djordjević

 

No. S-74/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late VLADIMIR MILIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

Recording clerk:                             B. Stojanović                       

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 1:15 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Vladimir Milić

Father's name:                                Aleksandar

Place and year of birth: Surdulica, 1987

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                                   

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Vladimir Milić was killed in the NATO bombing by an explosive device.     

 

FINDINGS

The top part of the dismembered child corpse is dressed in a synthetic cyclamen color jacket with a zip on its front. The back of the jacket is torn in many places, with the holes ranging from the size of a corn grain to the size of 50 x 10 mm. Under the jacket is a dark blue sweater with the letter N on it (most likely for Nike). The letter N is ornamented with an angler's hook woven in white and yellow threads. Under the sweater is a cotton blue-and-green checked shirt. There are pieces of a dark blue sweater with vertical stripes found in the torn tissue of the corpse parts. There is a pair of black "Cons" „Made in Thailand" buckled up sneakers, size 37, on the remaining lower parts of the corpse. The feet have short cotton dark blue socks on, with a floral pattern and "Love Fe" written on them. Pieces of long white underpants, which are pattern-woven in the form of stripes, have been found under the dark blue trousers in the level of the lower legs.

All the soft tissue, as well as the scull, thoracic, abdominal and pelvis bones are crushed, ragged, covered with sand and clay particles, and partly covered with dry and fresh grass.

There is no doubt that these are the remains of a child corpse, which was determined by the intact corpse parts (feet and hands).

Since certain body parts are missing, especially those important for establishing the sex, one can conclude only on grounds of the clothes that it is most likely the corpse of a boy approximately 12 years old.

II

The corpse parts designated with the cone No. 2

 

A part of a dark blue and red sweater, with NBA champion written on its front part, has been taken off the upper part of the dismembered child corpse. The sweater has a lot of mud on it and the name Marko is written on the right side of its bottom hem. There is a white long-sleeved vest under the sweater, which has a tennis racket and a sneaker with a five pointed star stamped on it. Under this vest is a white T-shirt with a green pattern all over it. Beside these pieces of clothes there is some white and red material, which resembles pieces of a rug-like blanket, found in the region of the back. The remaining parts of dark blue trousers, with the label Calvin Klein on them, have been taken off the lower part of the corpse. The upper parts of white underpants, which are made of the same material as the already described white T-shirt, are found under the pieces of the trousers.

The remains of the boy corpse are approximately 115 cm long. The scalp pieces indicate that the hair is dark brown and about 40 mm long. Most of the head and the cranial soft tissue is missing, as well as the facial bones. There is only a part of the mandible, its left side, with the teeth in it (the middle incisor, eyetooth, two premolar and two molar teeth), as well as the right side of the maxilla, with two premolar and molar teeth in it. There are no hairs on the chest, abdomen or mons pubis. The male genital organ is partly intact and it is about 3 cm long. The other soft tissue and the spermatic cord are missing. What is left of the internal organs are parts of the lungs, heart and intestine, and there are also pieces of the femurs. The left upper arm is 23 cm long.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Detractio corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Destruction with signs of recent bleeding in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined corpse remains there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     After a detailed examination of the remaining parts of the clothes on the remains designated with the cones No. 2 and 3, and especially of the characteristic sneakers by the investigative organs, and after showing them to the relative Slavko Milić, from Surdulica, there is no doubt that these are the remains of the now late Vladimir Milić, from Surdulica, father's name Aleksandar, born in 1987, a pupil.

 

 

FORENSIC DOCTOR                                                                          DIRECTOR

Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević      Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-75/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776 Niš

 

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late STANA RAŠIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Dr. Goran Ilić

Recording clerk:                             D. Stamenković

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 1:00 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Stana Rašić

Father's name:                                Vladimir

Place and year of birth: Vlasina Okruglica, mun. Surdulica, 1952

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                    housewife and worker

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999, at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Stana Rašić was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. She was a healthy person with good eyesight and hearing.                                                                            

FINDINGS

The following has been taken off from what has remained of the female corpse designated as corpse No. 4: a woollen hand-knit black waistcoat, smeared with mud and torn on several places; a turtle neck black sweater with rolled up long sleeves, also torn on several places. Under it is a black blouse, size 40, made of similar material like the sweater. There is an ellipsoid ladies' wristwatch with a dark blue dial, and also a bracelet made of grayish metal. The middle finger of the right hand has a yellow metal wedding ring on it. Under the described clothes are a white vest and a white bra. A dark blue skirt, which is torn in many places, has been taken off the bottom part of the corpse, as well as a pair of thick black unihop tights and white cotton panties, all smeared with mud.

A completely separated part of the back, with the spine and both kidneys on it, has been delivered with the corpse No. 4. The kidneys are pale and are of an amorphous structure. A part of the intestine and the appendix, 80 mm long, is also there.

The head is completely crushed and most of the cranial and facial bones are missing. Only a part of the mandible, its right side and an eyetooth in it, has been found. The preserved scalp tissue has some straight dark brown hair on it, which is about 100 mm long. Both earlobes are present, as well as the left eyeball, which has a dark chestnut iris and a 6 mm wide pupil. The breasts are the size of a male fist and no substance flows out of them when they are squeezed.

All ribs have multiple fractures and there is a huge gaping wound on the thorax, posterior and superior. A piece of the heart, the size of a child's palm, and torn pieces of the lung tissue have been found in the huge wound. The described tissue shows blood coloration in the sections.

The abdominal cavity contains a part of the liver tissue, the size of a male fist, which is torn and colored with blood. Most of the intestine is present, which has standard yellowish mushy contents in it, as well as a torn part of the stomach, which has some mushy greenish contents on its walls. The urinary bladder is preserved and without any contents in it. The uterus is the size of a chicken's egg and its mucosa is covered with a bloody slimy content. The uterine tubes and ovaries are of normal size and structure.

The bones of both arms and of both lower legs have multiple fractures. The left foot is crushed and the right one has multiple fractures. The longest bone piece is 20 cm long. The femur is 375 mm long.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Destructio et detractio capitis et corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

TRANSLATION: Violent death. The head and some parts of the body are torn and separated. All organs are torn. There are major explosive wounds.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Torn tissue with signs of recent bleeding present in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that it is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     According to the findings and the recognized remaining parts of the clothes shown to the relatives of the victim, there is no doubt that the remains are those of Stana Rašić, from Surdulica, born in 1952.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Dr. Goran Ilić         Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-76/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late STANIŠA DJORDJEVIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

Recording clerk:                             B. Stojanović                       

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 1:40 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Staniša Djordjević

Father's name:                                Svetislav

Place and year of birth: Surdulica, 1967

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                                   

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Staniša Djordjević was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

FINDINGS

The corpse designated by the authorized police officials with cone No. 5 was first photographed, alone and with the other corpses. Fingerprints were taken afterwards. According to the statements by relatives and acquaintances there is no doubt that it is the corpse of the late Staniša Djordjević, from Surdulica, born in 1967.

There are torn 'Sport' men's sports shoes next to the corpse, which have an indistinct blue-and-red hemming, including the words "Victoria BC 610 - The Brand Top Winners" on them. The corpse trunk is in a torn white cotton knitwear vest, and over it, in the region of the left arm, there is a dark blue "Nike" sweater. There is a yellow ring on the ring finger of the right hand with two leaves engraved on it. There are no other clothes on the upper part of the trunk while its lower part is in torn white cotton underpants with a distinctly recognizable male genital organ in that region. The lower part of the corpse is in torn blue jeans that have a partly buckled double Levi's belt around the waist. There are three 10 DM banknotes, as well as five 20 DM banknotes, four 50 DM banknotes, and seven 100 DM banknotes in the left rear pocket. In the same pocket there are also four 100 Dinar banknotes, four 50 Dinar banknotes, two 20 Dinar banknotes, one 10 Dinar banknote and four 5 Dinar banknote, as well as some personal notes on a piece of paper that has the heading "PIK Niš - Niška plemenka", and a 10 liter diesel coupon for April 1999, with the car license plate No. VR-828-10 written on it.

There are various photocopies related to data on various standard satellite systems in the rear right jeans pocket. There is also a piece of paper with "Vlasinske hydrocentrale Surdulica" (Vlasina hydro-electric plant-Surdulica), telephone numbers 017-85128 and 85627, and some words scribbled on it.

All the soft tissue on the upper part of the corpse as well as the cranial bones are completely crushed. There is some black hair, not longer than 30 mm, on the hairy region on the back of the head.

The feet are in white synthetic socks.

All the soft tissue of the neck, chest, and abdomen is badly torn, covered with particles of dust, white-colored clay and with particles of dark gray soot. There are parts of skin in the region of the genitals, with characteristic male hairs on them, as well as the genital organ, which is intact. In the region of the navel there is a part of the umbilical cord protruding approx. 20 mm above the skin. This preserved element was vital for the identification.

The soft tissue and the pelvic bones are badly crushed, as well as the soft tissue of the right thigh, inferior and anterior, and the top of the left foot.

All the organs in the cranial, thoracic, and abdominal cavities are badly torn and pieces of metal in the form of the letter P are found in these regions, most likely originating from the belt buckle. There are many pieces of wood in the form of chips in the abdominal region, which correspond to the torn parquet. There is also a dark gray foreign metal object in the same region, i.e. a deformed projectile fragment the size 20 x 15 mm.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Detractio corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Destruction with signs of recent bleeding in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     On grounds of a detailed examination and the presented remaining parts of the clothes and footwear to the wife, Svetlana Djordjević, there is no doubt that that these are the remains of the now late Staniša Djordjević, from Surdulica, born in 1967.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević      Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-77/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late VESNA MILIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Dr. Goran Ilić

Recording clerk:                             D. Stamenković                   

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 2:00 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Vesna Milić

Father's name:                                Vlasta

Place and year of birth: v. Prekodolce, mun. Vladičin Han, 1962

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                    economy technician

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Vesna Milić was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. She was a healthy person with good eyesight and hearing.                                            

 

FINDINGS

A dark blue Nike tracksuit sweater has been taken off the trunk of what has remained of the adult female corpse designated as corpse No. 6. A long sleeve Turkish-towel blouse with a pale violet back and a bluish-green front that was under the sweater, and which was torn in many places, has also been taken off the trunk, and after it a white cotton sleeveless undershirt and a white bra, torn in several places and smeared with blood and mud. What has remained of tracksuit pants, matching with the previously described dark blue tracksuit sweater, has been taken off the lower part of the body, as well as the pajama pants under them, match in color with the above described Turkish-towel blouse. Both are torn in many places. White cotton panties, with a sanitary napkin in them with dark brown red contents resembling dry menstrual blood on its inner side, have also been taken off. A pair of slippers, size 39, which are very mudded, have been found next to the body. A golden earring in the form of a ring was taken off the left earlobe. Four pieces of a broken yellow-metal chain, three of them of different size, which had once been a necklace or a bracelet have been taken off the corpse. Short dark blue synthetic socks have been taken off the feet.

The head is completely crushed. The scalp remains have brown straight hair on them, which is not longer than 50 mm and which has partly bleached ends. The left earlobe is intact and it has an earring in it, described above. A part of the mandible, its left side with the first three teeth in it, has been found. The remaining mandible left part has also been found. It has only the second molar in it and the dental sockets of the other teeth in the left mandible are closed. The described part of the mandible has also the first right incisor. The left eyeball also has been found. Its iris is chestnut color and the pupil is 5 mm wide. A part of the left maxilla, with two molars and a premolar in it, has also been found.

There is a huge gaping wound on the trunk, superior and mostly posterior. All the ribs are fractured and most of them are missing. The inferior part of the spine is present. The lungs and heart are completely missing.

The gaping and crushed abdominal cavity contains parts of the intestine with standard contents in it. It also contains the uterus, which is the size of a goose egg and whose mucosa is covered with a slimy bloody content. The urinary bladder is preserved and empty.

Two female hands have been found at the side of the corpse designated as corpse No. 1. According to their anatomic characteristics and the jewelry on them they are considered to belong to the adult female corpse designated as corpse No. 6. The remaining part of the right arm is completely missing and there is only the elbow of the left arm, which is bound to the shoulder by a strip of skin. Only the superior part of the left thigh is present, as well as a part of the left foot and a crushed inferior part of the left lower leg. The right leg has multiple fractures in the region of the hip, knee, lower leg, and foot. The right foot is 21 cm long and the femur is about 39 cm long.

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Destructio et detractio capitis et corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

Translation: It is a case of violent death. The head and certain parts of the body are torn and dismembered. All the organs are torn. There are major explosive wounds.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Torn tissue with signs of recent bleeding present in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     According to the findings and the remaining parts of the clothes and jewels, which were shown to the relative, i.e. to the brother-in-law Slavko Milić, there is no doubt that the remains are those of Vesna Milić, from Surdulica, born in 1962.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Dr. Goran Ilić         Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-78/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late ALEKSANDAR MILIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

Recording clerk:                             B. Stojanović                       

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 4:30 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Aleksandar Milić

Father's name:                                Vojislav

Place and year of birth: Surdulica, 1962

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                    worker

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Aleksandar Milić, from Surdulica, was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. The deceased person was a worker and according to his relatives he did not suffer from any disease, his eyesight and hearing were good, he was a smoker and consumed alcohol moderately.                                

 

FINDINGS

The corpse designated by the Vranje and Surdulica police with cone No. 8 consists of parts of a body below the lumbar plane. They are very torn, covered with earth, sand, numerous parquet chips, grit of various size, and with particles of earth. All the soft tissue is completely torn. There are remains of short underpants with vertical blue green and red stripes on one part of the remaining lower part of the corpse. There are also parts of track suit pants, size 7, with white color stripes on them in the level of lower leg, waist and on the side (three white stripes 10 mm wide and 10 mm apart on the right side). The feet have synthetic blue socks with rectangular and square ornaments on them. There is an Adidas sports shoe on the right foot, fastened with a shoelace, and it has blue and yellow patterns on its undamaged front part. The left counterpart of the pair, with the same characteristics as the right one, has been found beside the dismembered body parts, however, it is very damaged. Pieces of preserved skin and a damaged male genital organ were found in the torn pelvic tissue.

The corpse parts described in this report belong to a male, and since the hands are missing its fingerprints could not be taken.

After a detailed examination of the parts of clothes and of the footwear on the part of the relatives and especially by Slavko Milić, from Surdulica, there is no doubt that the found pieces of clothes belonged to the late Aleksandar Milić, a worker from Surdulica, who became a victim of the bombing.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Detractio corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Destruction with signs of recent bleeding in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     On grounds of a detailed examination of the remaining parts of clothes and footwear, which the relatives said belonged to the late Aleksandar Milić, there is no doubt that these are the remains of that man.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević      Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-79/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late MIOMIR MILOVANOVIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević

Recording clerk:                             B. Stojanović                       

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 6:00 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Miomir Milovanović

Father's name:                                Slobodan

Place and year of birth: Surdulica, 1982

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                    student

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Miomir Milovanović was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. He was a healthy person with good eyesight and hearing, and he never consumed alcohol.

FINDINGS

The head of the corpse designated by the police officials with cube No. 9 is completely smashed. The trunk is dressed in a dark blue sweater with the letter N on it, probably standing for Nike. Under this sweater is a cotton T-shirt with "Original GX ­ Jeans" written on it. A damaged yellow ring with a plate on its middle has been found on the right ring finger. There is a 10 mm wide blue band with vertical white stripes around the right wrist, which is also damaged. The belt around the waist is torn in several places. There is a broken yellow chain around the neck, which is in the form of the "Sindžir" ornament, and next to it is a pendant in the form of a small arms projectile. There is also a 2mm wide shoelace around the neck tied in the form of a noose.

The lower part of the corpse is dressed in dark blue jeans and there is nothing in the pockets. Under the jeans are long green-patterned underpants and a pair of synthetic black and white striped underpants.

All the soft tissue of the scalp and neck are completely torn. Black hair, about 60 mm long, is found on the remaining parts of the scalp.

The feet have sneakers on them, the Heix Aleite Reebok, with bluish stripes, size 44.

The feet also have blue synthetic rhomb-patterned socks on the front.

After the clothes, sneakers, ring, chain and the projectile-like pendant were shown to the relatives it was established that this is the corpse of Miomir Milovanović, from the village of Alakinac, municipality of Surdulica.

The soft tissue on the neck is covered with particles of dust, earth, gravel, and chips of wood. The facial bones are crushed, except for the mandible in which the 6th right side tooth is missing. Many pieces of wood are found in this torn tissue, most likely originating from the parquet.

There is a large gaping wound on the left side of the thoracic cavity, just bellow the shoulder blade plane. It is the size of 16 x 10 cm and parts of the lungs and the whole heart are protruding from it. The sides and edges of the wound are torn, covered with particles of earth and dust, and with pieces of bones and wooden chips in them.

There is a similar wound found on the left lower leg, inferior, and another one above the left knee with completely barren grayish-brown sooty bones protruding. The right lower leg above the ankle is completely deformed and one can see and palpate multiple bone fractures in the left lower leg. There is a large wound with torn edges extending from the armpit downwards. It is the size of 30 x 15 cm and the intestine and colon are torn on many places and protruding from it. The inferior part of the abdomen, the groins and the genitals are intact and on grounds of the latter one can conclude with certainty that it is a male corpse. All the bones above the rib cage, the rib cage itself, and the ribs have multiple fractures. The tissue in these regions is torn with signs of massive bleeding in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Both the liver and spleen are split. The appendix is 110 mm long. All bones in the spine are crushed in many places. The bones in the left lower leg and upper leg, in the region of the knee, and the ankle, have multiple fractures. The inferior end of the right lower leg is crushed and the fractures extend from the inside to the outside where there is a gaping wound from which the inferior end of the right shinbone is protruding. A part of the intestine, and especially the colon end, are intact. There is about 10 ccm of clear urine in the urine bladder. The entire soft tissue in the pelvis region is very bruised.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Detractio corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Destruction with signs of recent bleeding in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     After a detailed examination of the remaining parts of the clothes, footwear, and of other found objects by Slavko Milić and Slobodan Milovanović, it has been established beyond doubt that the remains are those of the late MIOMIR MILOVANOVIĆ, from Surdulica, father's name Slobodan, born in 1982, a student.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Prof. Dr. Milija Spalević      Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-80/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late MILJANA MILIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Dr. Goran Ilić

Recording clerk:                             D. Stamenković                   

Present during the autopsy:

Started at 3:00 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

Name and surname:                       Miljana Milić

Father's name:                                Aleksandar

Place and year of birth: Surdulica, 1984

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                    student

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Miljana Milić was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. She was a healthy person with good eyesight and hearing.

 

FINDINGS

The following has been taken off from what has remained of the female corpse designated as corpse No. 10: High black shoes with shoelaces, known as the Martin shoes, the model Adventure, size 39; short dark-blue cotton socks with a pattern of Bugs Bunny, gray color; ragged remaining parts of dark green cotton trousers torn on several places, thick dark green unihop tights, also torn on several places, and white panties under them, also torn; ragged pieces of a black and white blouse.

The head is completely crushed. There is only the right side of the nose, most of the left earlobe, and a minor part of the right earlobe. Straight dark-chestnut hair, about 60 mm long, is found on the remaining scalp tissue. Almost all the facial and cranial bones are missing.

The superior part of the trunk is crushed. The right arm is completely missing as well as most of the spine and ribs. There is only the inferior part of the left forearm, the part immediately above the hand, which is crushed, as well as the thumb, forefinger and ring finger, which are distinctly recognizable.

The thorax is crushed and the thoracic organs are completely missing.

The abdominal cavity is crushed. Some of the intestine, with standard intestine contents, is present. The uterus is the size of a chicken egg, and the ovaries are of the corresponding size and structure.

There are multiple fractures on the pelvic bones, on both femurs, on both shinbones and on both feet. The femur is approximately 40 cm long.

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Destructio et detractio capitis et corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

It is a case of violent death. The head and body are torn and dismembered. All the organs are torn. There are major explosive wounds.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Torn tissue with signs of recent bleeding present in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     According to the findings and the remaining parts of clothes and footwear, which were shown to the uncle, Slavko Milić, there is no doubt that the remains are those of Miljana Milić, from Surdulica, born in 1984.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Dr. Goran Ilić         Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

No. S-81/99            No 81 Braće Taskovića St.

28 April 1999         Telephone No. 333-776

Niš

 

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Made on 28 April 1999 during the examination and autopsy of the late STAMENKA MILIĆ, from Surdulica.

The autopsy is performed on request of the investigative judge, M. Todorov, Municipal Court in Surdulica.

 

Autopsy performed by:                Dr. Goran Ilić

Recording clerk:                             D. Stamenković

Present during the autopsy:       

Started at 4:00 p.m.

 

During the identification of the victim the following data have been established:

 

Name and surname:                       Stamenka Milić

Father's name:                                /

Place and year of birth: Vlasina Okruglica, 1933

Domicile:                                         Surdulica

Occupation:                                    housewife

Date and hour of death:               27 April 1999, at 12:30 p.m.

 

DATA: According to data received from relatives and from the investigative organs the late Stamenka Milić was killed in the NATO bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 at 12:30 p.m. She was a healthy person.

 

FINDINGS

The following has been taken off from the remains of the female corpse designated as No. 11: a woollen hand knit yellowish waistcoat and a navy blue waistcoat buttoned up front; a long-sleeved green synthetic sweater, "Serbest" make; a yellow-green T-shirt, an orange slip, and a white bra. What is left of a navy blue lined skirt, with the "Superfine Worsted, Made in Europe" written on the upper hem inside, has been taken off the lower part of the body. A pair of thick brown unihop stockings and a pair of cotton panties were also removed.

Two handkerchiefs, as well as a 100 DM banknote, six 5 DM banknotes, and three 50 DM banknotes have been found on the body. A golden chain with a hollow cross pendant on it has been found on the remains of the corpse, as well as three pieces of another, somewhat thicker chain.

The head is crushed. The remaining part of the scalp has curly chestnut hair, about 60 cm long, and a lot of gray hair.

Parts of the lungs and heart are found in the crushed trunk, and the sections show that they are colored with blood.

Parts of the intestine, which are full of intestinal contents, the uterus and ovaries of corresponding size and structure, and the bladder, which is without any contents in it, have been found in the crushed abdominal cavity.

The left arm and spine down to the lumbar plane are missing. A part of the skin and muscles that had covered the right hand, and a part of the right hand, namely the thumb and a part of the forefinger is all that has remained. The pelvic bones are broken, and there are multiple fractures on the right femur, from which a part of the right lower leg and right foot are dangling on a strip of skin. Only the superior part of the left thigh is present as well as some pieces of the left lower leg tissue. The left foot is completely missing. The right femur is approximately 32 cm long.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS

Mors violenta. Destructio et detractio capitis et corporis. Destructio organorum omnium. Vulnera explosiva massiva.

TRANSLATION: It is a violent death. The head and body are torn and dismembered. All the organs are torn. There are major explosive wounds.

 

PATHOLOGICAL-HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Destructio cum haemorrhagiam recentem organorum omnium. (Torn tissue with signs of recent bleeding present in all organs.)

 

CONCLUSION

I        On grounds of the presented circumstances and also on grounds of the examined remains of the body there is no doubt that this is a case of violent death caused by massive destruction of all organs.

II       All the described external and internal injuries are the result of a fragmenting explosive device.

III     According to the findings and the remaining parts of the clothes and jewelry, which were shown to the relative Slavko Milić, there is no doubt that the remains are those of Stamenka Milić, from Surdulica, born in 1933.

 

 

Autopsy performed by                                                                       DIRECTOR

Dr. Goran Ilić         Prof. Dr. Vujadin Otašević

 

No. Kri - 24/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

Taken on 12 May 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Vranje criminal proceedings against __________________ for the criminal act under Article ____ of the Penal Code.

 

Investigative Judge                      Witness

Slavoljub Mihajlović                     Stojanče Petković

 

Court clerk                                      Also present at the testimony:

Stojan Milenković

                                                         Public Prosecutor

                                                         ____________________

 

                                                         The Accused

                                                         ____________________

 

                                                         Defense Counsel

                                                         ____________________

 

Proceedings began at:

The attention of the witness was drawn to his duty to tell the truth and not to supress anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or a close relative to disgrace, considerable material damage or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1. Name and family name              STOJANČE PETKOVIĆ

2. Father's name                             Mirko

3. Occupation                 pensioner

4. Domicile                                      No.14 Drinske Divizije, Surdulica

5. Place of birth                              village of Gornje Romanovce

6. Date of birth                               1938

7. Relationship to the accused
or the wronged party:          none

 

With regard to the merits of the case the witness stated the following:

 

I am the owner of the house at the address No. 14 Drinska Divizija St., Surdulica. It consists of a basement, ground floor and an upper floor. The house was completely finished 6 years ago, after which the ground and the upper floors were occupied. My son and daughter in law, as well as their children, lived on the ground floor while my wife and I lived on the upper floor of the house.

Near my house is the house of our neighbor, Vojislav Milić. It is on Zmaj Jovina St. but I do not know its number. It is a newly built house. This neighboring house was the most secure as a shelter from the bombing because it was finished only 3 years ago. It was built according to the latest standards, and it was the safest in the whole area. It consisted of two completely dug in basements, of a ground floor, upper floor and an attic. Because of this during the NATO bombing all the neighbors used to hide in this house, i.e. in the basement of Vojislav Milić's house.

On Tuesday 27 April 1999, in the morning hours, NATO aircaft were flying over Surdulica and the air raid threat was announced. Because of that the neighbors sought shelter in the basement of this house; there were 10 of us sheltered in this basement. We entered the basement of the Milićs' house at about 11:00 a.m. The following people were there: Vojislav Milić's son, Aleksandar Milić, his wife Vesna, Vojislav Milić's wife Stamenka Milić, and his grandchildren Miljana, Vladica, and Milan. My neighbor Stanica Rašić and I were also there.

At about 11:00 a.m. there was a strong explosion from a bomb dropped by plane onto the house of Vojislav Milić. When this happened its owner, Vojislav Milić, was not at home. He was some 100 meters away doing some chore.

Those days my son, who had been mobilized, was at home on leave. That day he was supposed to return to his unit, but since the coach didn't arrive he was at home waiting for the next coach to come. Therefore my son Stamenko Petković, and my wife Kosovka Petković remained in my house. At about 11:10 a.m. I was near Milorad Andjelković's house, practically in the house, and while I was there I heard the first detonation, but I did not know where the bomb had fallen. Because of this detonation the door of this house thrust open and all the windowpanes burst into pieces. Milorad told me not to move but I, nevertheless, went out into the street and I saw my son in front of my house. I shouted out to him and the others to take shelter, so they went into our garage. After that I heard a loud noise of a plane, so I rushed into the basement of Vojislav Milić's house. When I entered his first basement the others, whose names I have previously mentioned, had already moved into the second basement. Just as I was going to enter this second basement where the others were, actually while I was entering it, there was another detonation, this time on the very house of Vojislav Milić. This detonation was followed by a second detonation on the house of Vojislav Milić, and I was thrust onto the left wall. However, I did not faint and I covered my mouth with my hand to prevent the dust to enter it, because there was a cloud of smoke and dust in there. When I recovered a bit after the second explosion I called out to those from the second basement, but no one answered me. I couldn't see what had happened but I could see that the ceiling in that part of the basement had collapsed. In the meantime Vojislav had dashed in and he asked me whether I was alive. I said I was, and then he asked me about his family members who were inside the basement. I told him that I had called out to them but that no one from the basement answered. Before Vojislav arrived I could hear the blocks falling and I saw the ceiling above my head coming down on me. The concrete ceiling was now down, pinning down my right lower leg. I was watching the other end of the ceiling also coming down on me and I saw the iron bars in it stretching. Then everything stopped.

My son, Stamenko Petković, arrived at the site after Vojislav, and he helped in pulling me out. Namely, it took the men about two hours to pull me out and at about 1:00 p.m. I was taken out of the basement. The rescue teams arrived later.

Consequently, in this bombing by the NATO planes the house of my neighbor Vojislav Milić was razed to the ground. In the raid my right leg was injured in two places, in the lower leg. I also had a cut on the left side of my head. The wounds were dressed in the Outpatient Clinic in Surdulica. I cannot stretch my toes on the left foot now and I feel pain in the region of my back. The orthopedist who treated me can give more details of my injuries.

All the other 9 people who were in that basement with me were killed. I am the only one to have survived. Vojislav Milić is the only survivor of the Milić family because he happened to be out at the time.

After the injury I was immediately taken first to the Outpatient Clinic in Surdulica and then to the Orthopedic Ward of the Health Center in Vranje. Therefore, I do not know in what condition is my house. However, when my son Stamenko visited me he told me that some members of a commission had come to inspect the destroyed and damaged houses, who told him that my house was not safe to live in any more. He also told me that the outbuildings in the yard near the house were all demolished. My house is some 15 meters away from the house of Vojislav Milić and I believe that after those explosions and detonations it must have been badly damaged and is not fit to live in.

My son told me that the entire wooden paneling on the upper floor was broken and scattered around, that all the tiles on the roof were broken, that all the window panes were broken, and that the frames of both the windows and doors were blown out of place and broken.

I hope that the members of my family have also given statements concerning this event.

I have nothing else to state about this case.

The statement was dictated aloud and everything has been recorded just as I have stated, so I recognize it as my own and confirm it with my signature.

 

Witness - injured party

                                                                                                                          Signature

Confirmed by:

Recording clerk    Investigative judge

Signature Signature

 

Prizren and Jablanica 

                        

                   

                     

 

Subotica

UNIT FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE

CAUSED BY WAR DEVASTATION ­ CIVIL

DEFENSE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS SUBOTICA

SUBOTICA

27 April 1999

 

 

LIST OF PERSONS-OWNERS OR USERS OF DAMAGED FACILITIES

--------------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

No. Name of Street House Name and Surname               Estimated

                                 No.                         Value in Din.

--------------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

1	Radniti Mikloš	1/2	Snežana Djukić	415.34
2	Radniti Mikloš	1/3	Snežana Djukić	769.35
3	Radniti Mikloš	1A/4	Velimir Bajagić	1,434.94
4	Radniti Mikloš	1/5	Vilmoš Čanak	200.75
5	Radniti Mikloš	1/7	Katica Vuković	200.75
6	Radniti Mikloš	1/8	Djordje Pohuka	200.75
7	Radniti Mikloš	3	Petar Djuričin	196.71
8	Radniti Mikloš	11	Eva Boldižar, Tibor and Ištvan Tot	3,779.23
9	Radniti Mikloš	13	Lajčo Belak	613.45
10	Radniti Mikloš	15	Josip Budanović	218.17
11	Radniti Mikloš	17	Ana Mesaroš	803.88
12	Radniti Mikloš	21	Jelisaveta Vlašić	1,393.50
13	Radniti Mikloš	22	Antal Kečkeš	86.94
14	Radniti Mikloš	23	Karolj Abraham	2,236.89
15	Radniti Mikloš	25	Stevan Torma	421.32
16	Radniti Mikloš	27	Gojko Uzelac	1,323.62
17	Radniti Mikloš	30	Karolj Petrik	387.92
18	Radniti Mikloš	33	Nikola Pilipović	81.60
19	Radniti Mikloš	41	Antun Cinkler	121.00
20	Radniti Mikloš	42	Milivoje Maksimović	2,197.44
21	Radniti Mikloš	45	Aleksandar Ivović	508.20
22	Radniti Mikloš	59	Nedeljko Katić	2,346.00
23	Radniti Mikloš	61	Blagoje Lalatović	296.40
24	XVI Divizije	70	Tibor Kukli	10,748.61
25	XVI Divizije	72	Ilija Šec	7,762.23
26	XVI Divizije	74	Lajčo Nimčević	10,816.33
27	XVI Divizije	76	Rade Drča	7.847.83
28	XVI Divizije	78	Ivan Kubatović	9,637.22
29	XVI Divizije	80	Etelka Palatinus	2,953.67
30	XVI Divizije	82	Ljiljana Dukić	3,286.38
31	XVI Divizije	84	Julija Eri	4,366.57
32	XVI Divizije	88	Tibor Bajus	2,316.62
33	XVI Divizije	92	Sofija Čanji	168.60
34	XVI Divizije	96	Ivlijo Brešćanski	226.83
35	XVI Divizije	98	Andraš Sarapka	227.32
36	XVI Divizije	102	Tibor Hanak	218.53
37	XVI Divizije	111	Laslo Horvat	94.99
38	XVI Divizije	113	Laslo Lak	2,057.30
39	XVI Divizije	115	Andraš Hadadi	263.99
40	XVI Divizije	117	Jožef Feher	803.44
41	XVI Divizije	119	Dezider Marton	5,168.71
42	XVI Divizije	121	Ljubica Djordjević	4,212.99
43	XVI Divizije	123	Mihajlo Mesaroš	344.65
44	XVI Divizije	125	Atila Garaba	1,797.71
45	XVI Divizije	127	Erne and Ilona Peter	2,984.30
46	XVI Divizije	129	Margit Dulić	1,825.46
47	XVI Divizije	133	Klara Jaramazović	719.95
48	XVI Divizije	135	Zoltan Tot	264.00
49	XVI Divizije	137	Jožef Cik	2,291.20
50	XVI Divizije	137	Milorad Stojančić	2,198.06
51	XVI Divizije	149	Janoš Martin	1,237.62
52	XVI Divizije	153	Nedeljko Maravić	234.66
53	XVI Divizije	155	Vince Saulić	341.63
54	Istočni vinogradi		3	Stjepan Kuić	237.59
55	Istočni vinogradi		3A	Aleksandar Denč	132.11
56	Turzo Lajoš	22	Marija Tumbas	152.29
57	Turzo Lajoš	24	Marija Ivković	5,871.21
58	Turzo Lajoš	26	Jelisaveta Molnar	1,738.53
59	Turzo Lajoš	28	Ištvan Kiš Torma	2,031.17
60	Turzo Lajoš	30	Ištvan Hajdu	1,390.32
61	Turzo Lajoš	32	Aleksandar Vlaović	990.71
62	Turzo Lajoš	34	Antun Mihaljević	868.08
63	Turzo Lajoš	36	Jovan Gajin	503.70
64	Turzo Lajoš	38	Ivlate Ljolje	34.91
65	Turzo Lajoš	40	Krista Horvat	79.20
66	Turzo Lajoš	45	Building - part of common premises	431.18
67	Turzo Lajoš	45/6	Ruža Mitrović	445.85
68	Turzo Lajoš	47	Building - part of common premises	651.17
69	Turzo Lajoš	47/2	Ilona Besedeš	337.32
70	Turzo Lajoš	48	Zoltan Dregei	227.03
71	Turzo Lajoš	49	Building - part of common premises	164.26
72	Turzo Lajoš	49/2	Čovilo	381.31
73	Turzo Lajoš	51	Building - part of common premises	225.86
74	Turzo Lajoš	53	Building - part of common premises	261.05
75	Turzo Lajoš	53/2	Mile Radočai	220.14
76	Turzo Lajoš	54	Aranka Kenjereš	79.20
77	Turzo Lajoš	55	Building - part of common premises	199.46
78	Turzo Lajoš	55/2	Ljubinka Suturović	269.55
79	Turzo Lajoš	56	Jovan Katanski	708.29
80	Turzo Lajoš	58	Boško Damjanović	116.43
81	Turzo Lajoš	68	Bela Mentuš	69.37
82	Turzo Lajoš	70	Dušan Koračak	0.00
83	Turzo Lajoš	74	Jakov Bošnjak	280.73
84	Turzo Lajoš	76	Pero Kovačić	79.20
85	Bela Bartok	20	Grgo Bukvić	427.95
86	Bela Bartok	44	Building - part of common premises	140.79
87	Bela Bartok	46	Building - part of common premises	233.72
88	Bela Bartok	81	Milan Belančić	1,923.03
89	Bela Bartok	83	Radmila Kiš	4,543.33
90	Bela Bartok	85	Dusanka Rapaić	4,239.98
91	Bela bartok	87	Krista Omirović	9,916.90
92	Bela Bartok	89	Silvester Pleti	7,490.74
93	Bela Bartok	91	Ferenc Mesaroš	10,655.49
94	Bela Bartok	95	Josip Perle	5,639.00
95	Bokeljska	10	Danilo Bedić	91.25
96	Bokeljska	16	Andrija Vereš	279.36
97	Bokeljska	25	Ištvan Iles	398.66
98	Bokeljska	27	Mišo Poljak	223.37
99	Bokeljska	49	Branko Stoparić	1,024.00
100	Bokeljska	54	Jožef Čikoš	344.77
101	Bokeljska	56	Jožef Bartuš	190.58
102	Bokeljska	59	Imre Feher	701.03
103	Bokeljska	67	Endre Onodi	525.75
104	Ružina	1	Robert Slavnić	11,057.64
105	Ružina	2	Geza Tamaši	1,132.89
106	Ružina	3	Mihajlo Vugdragović	545.12
107	Ružina	5	Ivan Sokolović	1,265.95
108	Ružina	6	Stevan Sekereš	450.00
109	Ružina	9	Kata Prčić	682.70
110	Ružina	10	Bela Temunović	715.32
111	Ružina	21	Ivan Nimčević	192.31
112	Avnojska	15	Petar Rapić	1,634.27
113	Avnojska	27	Ferenc Miler	1,589.71
114	Avnojska	39	Blagoje Tasić	145.24
115	Avnojska	43	Petar Behtler	86.87
116	Avnojska	45	Savo Stambolija	126.58
117	Vig Ištvan	3	Ferenc Šurijan	1,135.48
118	Vig Ištvan	6	Andras Šagi	205.32
119	Vig Ištvan	13	Šandor Koso	187.72
120	Sunčana	1	Djula Vaš	1,097.14
121	Jorgovanska	6	Tomislav Bašić-Palković	450.25
122	Jorgovanska	13	Atila Kovač	211.20
123	Jorgovanska	35	Lajoš Banči	246.39
124	Lastina	2	Vlado Djordjioski	1,701.60
125	Lastina	5	Joso Pletikosić	266.60
126	Lastina	12	Jene Šandor	376.49
127	Lastina	14	Gabrijela Redler	264.00
128	Lastina	24	Jozef Šereš	211.19
129	Lastina	28	Sladjana Grčki	414.03
130	Lastina	30	Slobodan Šujica	633.57
131	Jasminova	1	Milan Končar	1,029.57
132	Jasminova	2	Slavko Bakić	2,538.18
133	Jasminova	3	Sava Tatalović	3,292.91
134	Jasminova	6	Stevo Beri	820.36
135	Jasminova	7	Neli Djulai	1,106.80
136	Jasminova	8	Atila Bešnji	1,390.94
137	Jasminova	10	Mirjana Koledin	168.66
138	Jasminova	11	Djula Greguš	229.20
139	Jasminova	12	Milorad Maravić	784.00
140	Jasminova	14	Laslo Valkanjački	241.19
141	Jasminova	16	Ištvan and Joli Čonka	3,235.20
142	Jasminova	17	Djula Feldi	740.63
143	Jasminova	25	Slobodan Balaban	151.15
144	Jasminova	29	Ferenc Sabo	149.60
145	Topčiderska	13	Petar Ver	328.81
146	Topčiderska	15	Zoran Rajak	158.40
147	Otvorena	13	Slavko Daraboš	1,988.66
148	Otvorena	14	Nikola Remeš	1,112.39
149	Otvorena	16	Ivan Mačković	886.26
150	Otvorena	18	Jovan Mirosavljević	1,487.53
151	Otvorena	19	Eržebet Tarič	384.03
152	Otvorena	22	Lajčo Kujundžić	11,095.79
153	Otvorena	25	Ištvan Kasaš	2,313.45
154	Otvorena	27	Marjan Mihanović	840.80
155	Otvorena	38	Miroslav Perčić	551.20
156	Otvorena	45	Zorko Padežanin	348.78
157	Otvorena	46	Iren Deak	1,948.43
158	Otvorena	48	Lajčo Bašić Palković	313.49
159	Otvorena	49	Ana Ruski	154.43
160	Srednja	35	Nandor Sabadoš	330.00
161	Srednja	51	Zlatoje Belančić	200.75
162	Ferenci Iboja	14	Olga Stantić	3,280.82
163	Ferenci Iboja	19	Anka Pap	4,938.47
164	Ferenci Iboja	26	Josip Sabo	1,137.44
165	Ferenci Iboja	28	Zivka Deme	5,487.41
166	Ferenci Iboja	29	Margit Čuzdi	1,659.78
167	Ferenci Iboja	30	Gizela Nemet	9,226.70
168	Ferenci Iboja	31	Eva Vojnić Kortmiš	2,338.45
169	Ferenci Iboja	32	Jožef Nemedi	17,049.95
170	Ferenci Iboja	33	Vanka Gal	12,737.98
171	Ferenci Iboja	34	Elvira Gubičak	15,381.16
172	Ferenci Iboja	35	Ištvan Jurić	13,783.39
173	Ferenci Iboja	36	Silvester Galik	51,957.89
174	Ferenci Iboja	37	Djula Gebleš	68,970.95
175	Ferenci Iboja	38	Stevan Marki	30,562.36
176	Ferenci Iboja	39	Mihalj Retfalvi	840,000.00
177	Ferenci Iboja	40	Krista Kiralj	59,663.76
178	Ferenci Iboja	41	Stipan Demek	840,000.00
179	Ferenci Iboja	42	Pavle Kiralj	14,553.05
180	Ferenci Iboja	43	Janoš Lerinc	23,600.72
181	Ferenci Iboja	44	Dijana Babičković	9,643.79
182	Ferenci Iboja	44	Josip Starek	9,006.79
183	Ferenci Iboja	45	Tomislav Brančić	14,202.71
184	Ferenci Iboja	47	Geza Kopilović	8,655.44
185	Ferenci Iboja	49	Predrag Mirosavljević	2,476.94
186	Edvarda Rusijana		2	Aleksandar Burnać	229.11
187	Edvarda Rusijana		9	Radojka Čoka	429.42
188	Palićka	8	Tereza Janko	211.83
189	Banjalučka	2	Ildiko Novak	35.49
190	Mali Radanovac		30	Jožef Fodor	140.80
191	Ljube Šercera	62	Milenko Mileusnić	510.35
192	Ljube Šercera	77	Magdolna Sakač	505.12
193	Virag Balaz	7	Radoslav Kovačević	5,329.20
194	Dunavska	2	Lajoš Djapjaš	986.66
195	Djevdjelijska	1	Julija Flajšman	92.40
196	Djevdjelijska	2	Robert Almaši and Eva Molnar	39.60
197	Djevdjelijska	4	Jožef Nemedi	518.02
198	Djevdjelijska	4	Elvira Farkaš	1,282.75
199	Djevdjelijska	5	Mihajlo Tonković	128.18
200	Djevdjelijska	6	Ilona Farkaš	207.67
201	Djevdjelijska	8	Stevan Mesaroš	142.91
202	Djevdjelijska	9	Djeredj Bošnjak	756.56
203	Djevdjelijska	10	Stevo Grešak	76.03
204	Djevdjelijska	11	Ferenc Varga	1,550.62
205	Djevdjelijska	14	Olga Pejić	405.60
206	Djedjelijska	19	Zvonko Bundić	36.67
207	Djevdjelijska	21	Janoš Baranjai	722.93
208	Djevdjelijska	23	Petar Kolović	1,750.71
209	Djevdjelijska	25	Judit Šuto	689.85
210	Djevdjelijska	29	Arpad Mak	1,802.82
211	Djevdjelijska	31	Marija Teslić	1,457.80
212	Djevdjelijska	33	Imre Kasaš	1,286.00
213	Vuka Mandušića		53	Zoran Ostrogonac	401.87
214	Vuka Mandušića		53	Josip Ostrogonac	381.01
215	Samoborska	42	Pal Peter	857.37
216	Put M.Pijade	90	Public Enterprise „Aurometal"	9,773.19
217	Dunavska	4	Public Enterprise „Vetfarm"	8,037.26

--------------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                Total:      2,344,257.39

 

Belgrade

         

 

Kri. 593/99

 

 

ON-SITE INVESTIGATION MEMO

 

made following the bombing by NATO warplanes and the explosion of two missiles on locations on Maksim Gorki - Vardarska Streets and on Maruliceva Street in Belgrade

 

The following persons were present during the on-site investigation:

 

Investigative Judge                             Second Lt Dragoslav Stevanović

Branislav Todić                                    Ministry of the Interior of Serbia

                                                                Belgrade Secretariat

 

Deputy District Public Prosecutor    Forensic Technician

Belgrade                                                Staff Sergeant

Dragan Lopušina                                Zoran M. Popović

 

In the capacity as the investigative judge of the District Court in Belgrade on duty, I received a call from the duty officer of the Secretariat of Internal Affairs on 30 April 1999, at 8.45 a.m., to be present at the investigation on the above indicated two locations in the wake of the bombing by NATO warplanes which took place in the early morning hours of that day.

I arrived at the scene at 9.10 a.m., accompanied by Deputy District Public Prosecutor Dragan Lopušina. The location was secured by the members of the team on duty from the Secretariat of Internal Affairs ­ Belgrade. The members of the team on duty were already carrying out the necessary measurements and taking photographs according to instructions of Second Lieutenant Dragoslav Stevanović, Belgrade Secretariat of Internal Affairs.

I found out that the event had taken place at 2.30 a.m. that same day; that two missiles had exploded; that one had hit the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street, as well as the nearby house at the corner of Maksim Gorki and Vardarska Streets, where the restaurant „Zlatni ovan" was located. Also, that the flats of Borivoje Filipović, Svetlana Djerić, Marija Arnautović, Petar Stabić, Milica Miljković and Zoran Kuzmanović at 57 Maksim Gorki Street were demolished; that the houses at 12 Grahovska Street owned by Borka Mišić and No. 14 owned by Mila Djurić, and flat No.1 at 55 Maksim Gorki Street owned by Danica Milosavljević were partly damaged. Furthermore, I learned that the other missile struck the roadway and exploded at the corner of Vardarska and Marulićeva Streets. I also noticed that there was a crater about 3 m deep with a diameter of about 3 m. There was agitated water in the middle of the crater, obviously due to the damaged water supply pipes. The house of Djordje Djurić at 12 Vardarska Street and his two cars, a "Yugo" passenger car and a "Kombi" van were completely destroyed. Other cars in the surrounding area were also damaged. On the roadway near the crater there are two large bumps caused by the impact of the missile making the roadway unusable for traffic. Farther on, on the same side where the razed "Zlatni ovan" restaurant and the destroyed house on Vardarska Street were located, the concrete support fence, about 60 cm high and about 20 m long, has been completely separated by about half a meter from the grass-covered yard, mostly in the middle part.

Also, I noticed that there are partial longitudinal cracks in the asphalt roadway in all the streets surrounding the scene of the event, as well as that the kerbstone is separated from the roadway at a distance of about 10 cm.

The impact of the missiles did not cause fire. There was a lot of dust, not in the air, but on objects, while the destroyed family houses referred to above are shapeless, „minced". The privately-owned "Bogdanović" Car Repair Service facilities owned by Zoran Bogdanović, located at 55 Maksim Gorki Street Street, have been damaged. In the Car Service yard, due to the caving in of the shed made up of thick scaffold metal tubes, two passenger cars, a "Škoda Favorit" and a "Renault 4", have been damaged.

Extensive material damage has been inflicted but it is not possible to make an estimate for the time being.

The eye-witnesses present at the investigation said that one missile hit the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street and the other hit the roadway at the corner of Vardarska and Marulićeva Streets.

A "Yugo 55" passenger car, license plate No. BG-936-460, parked in front of the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street, has been damaged beyond repair because a house wall fell on it. Besides, as a consequence of the explosion of the missile which hit the roadway, the house at 12 Vardarska Street, a small ground-floor family house, has been totally demolished. Many houses in the immediate vicinity have been partly damaged. The chimney in the attic of the house at 71 Internacionalnih brigada Street caved in. The building at 57 Maksim Gorki Street is a large one.

I have been informed by a police inspector at the scene that the following persons have been injured: Živka Jovanović, born in 1957, sustained serious injuries; Sofija Jovanović, born in 1976, suffered serious bodily injuries threatening her life; Dejan Filipović, born in 1973, suffered minor bodily injuries; Djordje Djurić, born in 1972, sustained serious bodily injuries.

The above information was furnished by Capt. Blagoje Peruničić, Service on Duty, Secretariat of Internal Affairs, Belgrade. The scene of the event has been photographed and sketches have been made.

Forensic technician Zoran Popović inspected the scene.

I ordered that, in case of a fatal outcome, the autopsy of the bodies of the seriously injured persons be performed at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

I wish to note that before the drawing up of this on-site investigation memo I learned that Sofija Jovanović, born in 1976, who had sustained serious bodily injuries threatening her life, died on 2 May 1999; also that the autopsy of her body was performed on 4 May 1999 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. The autopsy was performed by Prof. Dušan Dunjić, MD; the signature of the protocol is S.No.362/99 but the protocol will be submitted subsequently since it has not been prepared yet.

The reports of the Secretariat of Internal Affairs ­ Service on Duty, Belgrade, including the on-site Investigation Memo compiled by Second Lieutenant Radoslav Stevanović, the Report on Forensic-Technical Inspection of the scene of the event drawn up by forensic technician Zoran Popović and the report dated 30 April 1999 relating to the injured persons, drawn up by Capt. Blagoje Peruničić, constitute an integral part of this Memo.

The photo-documentation will be submitted subsequently.

 

Belgrade, 11 May 1999                                                                        Investigative Judge

(sgd) Branislav Todić

L.S.

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

SECRETARIAT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS IN BELGRADE

Criminal Investigation Department

Investigation and Operations Division

 

30 April 1999

B E L G R A D E

 

REPORT

 

On 30 April 1999, around 2.30 a.m., during the aerial bombardment by NATO warplanes, two missiles exploded, one of which hit the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street and totally demolished it. The house next to it was also completely destroyed. The restaurant "Zlatni ovan" located at the corner of Maksim Gorki and Vardarska Streets, owned by Dragan Djordjević, resident address 2 Avalska Street, was also destroyed. The house next to the said restaurant included a number of flats which have been totally demolished: 57 Maksim Gorki Street, flat No. 3 owned by Borivoje Filipović; flat No. 4 owned by Svetlana Djerić; flat No. 7 owned by Marija Arnautović; flat No. 6 owned by Petar Stabić; flat No. 5 owned by Milica Miljković; flat No. 2 owned by Zoran Kuzmanović. The house at No. 12 Grahovska Street, owned by Borka Mišić, No. 14 Grahovska Street, owned by Mila Djurić, have been partly damaged, as well as flat No. 1, 55 Maksim Gorki Street, owned by Danica Milosavljević. The other missile hit the roadway at the corner of Vardarska and Marulićeva Street and exploded, creating a deep crater with a large diameter and damaging underground water supply pipes and electric wiring. Due to the impact the house of Djordje Ćurić at 12 Vardarska Street was razed and his two cars, a "Yugo" passenger car and a van, have been destroyed. Djordje and his wife Dragana were injured and taken to hospital for medical assistance. The house at No. 14 Vardarska Street has been damaged to a greater or lesser extent, namely: flat No. 4 owned by Radoje Jevtović, as well as his "Yugo" passenger car parked outside; flat No. 3 owned by Nevenka Banković; flat No. 2 owned by Žarko Radić. The house of Vladeta Pavlović at 16 Vardarska Street, including his "Fiat Uno" passenger car, has also been damaged, as well as the house at 18 Vardarska Street, owned by Nevena Milanović; the house at 18-A owned by Gordana Aćimović; the house at 13 Vardarska Street owned by Mirjana Pavlović; the house at 13 Vardarska Street owned by Milan Perišić; the house at 15 Vardarska Street, owned by Milan Demirović, where a "Yugo Florida" passenger car owned by Stevan Brzak from Novi Sad, 8 Sterijina Street, has also been damaged; the house at 17 Vardarska Street owned by Mihajlo Grozdanović; the house at 10 Vardarska Street owned by Marija Mitrović; the house at 7 Vardarska Street owned by Ibrahim Misini, where his wife Živka Jovanović and daughter Sofija were injured, both of whom received medical help at the Emergency Medical Center; flat at 7 Vardarska Street owned by Dragoslava Cvejić; flat at 7 Vardarska Street owned by Branislav Tufegdžić; flat at 7 Vardarska Street owned by Refik Mehmedi; flat at 7 Vardarska Street owned by Dragan Ćurčić; the house at 9 Vardarska Street owned by Violeta Ivković, which includes the printing firm "Todra" owned by Dragoslav Todorov; the house at 116 Šumatovačka Street, flat No. 1, owned by Zoran Belencan; flat No. 2 owned by Milica Slavnić; flat No. 3 owned by Sandra Petrović, including flat No. 5 owned by the same person; flat No. 4 owned by Valentina Damjanović; the house at 73 Šumatovačka Street, owned by Mihajlo Timotijević, where his son's car has also been damaged; the houses at Nos. 1 and 1-A Grahovska Street owned by Gordana Vlahović; the house at 75 Šumatovačka Street, flat No. 4, owned by Slavoljub Zlatković; flat No. 3 owned by Radovan Milutinović; flat No. 2 owned by Djuro Vasić; the house at 20 Vardarska Street, owned by Dejan Masliković; the house at 3 Marulićeva Street, flat No. 2, owned by Siniša Stojanović, where a "Daewu" passenger car owned by Predrag Stojanović residing at the same address has also been damaged, as well as a "Yugo 55" passenger car owned by Darko Ćurić, resident address 3 Marulićeva Street, flat No. 5; the house at 71 Internacionalnih brigada Street, flat No. 3 owned by Olga Stanojević, where the chimney caved in; at 55 Maksim Gorki Street, "Bogdanović" Car Repair Service facilities, owned by Zoran and Mara Bogdanović, residing at the same address, have been damaged; in the backyard a "Škoda Favorit" passenger car and a "Renault 4" have been damaged. At 57 Maksim Gorki Street, flat No. 3, Dejan Filipović was injured. He was extended medical help at the Emergency Medical Center in Belgrade. At 7 Vardarska Street, Dragoslava Pejić suffered minor bodily injuries; she received medical help at the local Outpatient Clinic and was sent home afterwards.

The scene of the event has been visited by UPPP fire-fighting teams, specialized teams of the Secretariat of Internal Affairs, KD team, teams of "Elektrodistribucija" Electricity Company, "Vodovod" Water Supply and Sewerage Company, and by the Belgrade District Court investigative judge on duty, Branislav Todić, and by Deputy District Public Prosecutor Dragan Lopušina.

The amount of material damage has not been established as yet but the damage is extensive.

Almost all owners of the above-mentioned houses and members of their households were present on the locations. They stated that two missiles exploded in the early morning hours, at about 2.30 a.m. One of the missiles struck the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street, while the other hit the asphalt roadway at the corner of Vardarska and Marulićeva Streets. They "rushed" to help the affected neighbors, who were taken to hospital to be extended medical assistance.

Forensic technician Zoran Popović inspected the scene of the event.

 

 

Encl.: On-Site        (sgd) Radoslav Stevanović

Investigation Memo            Second Lieutenant

 

ON-SITE INVESTIGATION MEMO

 

compiled on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Secretariat of Internal Affairs of Belgrade, on the basis of Article 154, paragraph 2, in connection with Article 238 of the Law on Criminal Procedure

 

Belgrade, 57 Maksim Gorki Street and corner of Marulićeva and Vardarska Streets

------------------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

(location of investigation)

 

Date: 30 April 1999

 

Investigation is conducted by the authorized official

 

Radoslav Stevanović

------------------­­­

(Name and Surname)           Investigation is undertaken with the participation of expert(s)

                 Forensic technician Zoran Popović

                 ------------------------------------

                 (Name and Surname)

 

----------------------------------

Recording clerk (Name and Surname)

 

Before the start of the investigation the following has been established:

The scene of the event has been visited on the basis of information that two missiles exploded

--------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------

(description of event)

 

Date: 30 April 1999, at 2.30 a.m.

--------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­--------------------------------

 

Present at the investigation: Owners of houses

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­--------------------------------

 

The investigation started at 7.20 a.m.

On the basis of the investigation at the scene of the event it has been established that it is located in Belgrade, at the above mentioned address; that one of the two missiles hit the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street and exploded; that, as a result, the house has been totally demolished. The nearby houses have also been partly damaged. In the yard of the house at 59 Maksim Gorki Street, two damaged passenger cars, a "Škoda Favorit", license plate No. BG-514-03 and a "Renault 4", license plate No. BG-150-231, have been found because a shed caved in and hit them. A "Yugo 55" passenger car, license plate No. BG-936-460, has been found in front of the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street. The car is almost completely ruined because a part of a wall of the completely demolished house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street fell on it. The house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street has been totally demolished. Some houses have been considerably damaged while others sustained only minor damage, both outside and inside, namely, the houses at 59 Maksim Gorki Street, 12 Grahovska Street, 14 Grahovska Street, 55 Maksim Gorki Street.

The other missile hit the roadway at the corner of Vardarska and Marulićeva Streets and exploded. There is a large, several meters deep crater as a consequence. Also, water supply pipes, sewerage pipes, as well as electricity wiring have been badly damaged. Because of the explosion the ground-floor house and the yard surrounding it, at the address 12 Vardarska Street, a total surface of about 50 sq. m, has been completely destroyed. Two damaged cars have been found in front of the house, a "Yugo" passenger car, license plate No. BG-354-207 and a van, license plate No. BG-264-316. The house at 14 Vardarska Street, consisting of three small flats has been damaged. A damaged "Yugo 55" passenger car, license plate No. BG-905-704, has been found in front of the house. The walls and floors of the house at 16 Vardarska Street, a total surface of 120 sq. m, have been damaged. A damaged "Fiat Uno", license plate No. BG-479-950, has been found parked outside. The chimney of a small house at 18 Vardarska Street has been damaged and the ceiling in the kitchen caved in. There are cracks in the walls and the ceiling of the house at 13 Vardarska Street. Similar cracks have been noticed in the house at 15 Vardarska Street. A damaged "Yugo Florida", license plate No. KO-35-11 has been found in front of the house. At 17 Vardarska Street, the upper parts of the relatively small house have been damaged, as well as the fence facing the street. The roof of the house at 10 Vardarska Street, not very spatious either, has been damaged. The ceiling, the walls and the fence facing the street, as well as a small garage in the yard, have also been damaged to some extent. In the house at 7 Vardarska Street, which consists of a number of smaller flats, windows and doors have been damaged. A number of metal pieces of irregular shape have been found. There are cracks in the ceilings and the walls of the houses at 9 Vardarska Street and 116 Šumatovačka Street. At 73 Šumatovačka Street the facade and the chimney, as well as a car, license plate No. Bg-160-145 parked in front of the house, have been damaged. Minor damage, similar to that described above, has been noticed at Nos. 1 and 1-A Grahovska Street, 75 Šumatovačka Street, 20 Vardarska Street, 3 Marulićeva Street. In front of the house at 3 Marulićeva Street, a parked damaged "Yugo 55", license plate No. BG--160-124, has been noticed. The chimney of flat No. 3 of the house at 71 Internacionalnih brigada Street, caved in. Roof tiles and the ceiling of the same house have also been damaged.

 

The surface of the house at 57 Maksim Gorki Street is about 200 sq. m.

--------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------------------

Details of the location of the scene of event; detailed description of the situation at the scene; detailed description of clues (if any); forensic methods applied in fixing the traces; objects taken possession of temporarily; sketches made and photographs of the scene taken, including full name of technician; details of facts based on statements by individuals, conclusions of authorized officials (on versions, movement of the perpetrator, etc.

 

(sgd) Second Lt Radoslav Stevanović

 

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

Belgrade Secretariat

Entry No. (KU, D) ------------------

K.T. entry No.        100 1776/ 99

                 ------­­­­ --­­---- ------

                 OUP Code Entry No. Year

 

Date: 30 April 1999

 

REPORT

ON FORENSIC AND TECHNICAL ON-SITE INSPECTION

 

1. Type of act or event: Photographing of damage caused by NATO bombing

2. Place and date: Belgrade, Maksim Gorki Street, Nos. 57, 59; Vardarska Street, Nos. 7,9,13,15,17 and 10,12,14,16,18,20; Šumatovačka Street, Nos. 75,116; Grahovska Street, Nos. 1, 1-A; No. 3 Marulićeva Street; No.71 Internacionalnih brigada Street
30 April 1999

3. Involved: injured parties: Dragan Djordjević, Zoran and Mara Bogdanović, Borivoje Filipović, Svetlana Djerić, Marija Arnautović, Petar Stabić, Milica Miljković, Borka Mišić, Mile Djurić, Zoran Kuzmanović, Danica Milosavljević, Djordje Djurić, Radoje Jevtović, Nevenka Banković, Žarko Radić, Vladeta Pavlović, Nevenka Milanović, Gordana Aćimović, Mirjana Pavlović, Milan Perišić, Milan Demirović, Mihajlo Grozdanović, Marija Mitrović, Ibrahim Misini, Dragoslava Cvejić, Branislav Tufegdžić, Refik Mehmedi, Dragan Ćurčić, Mileta Ivković, Dragoslav Todorović, Zoran Belencan, Milica Slavnić, Sandra Petrović, Valentina Damjanović, Mihajlo Timotijević, Gordana Vlahović, Slavoljub Zlatković, Radovan Milutinović, Djura Vasić, Dejan Masliković, Siniša Stojanović and Olga Stanojević.

4. Method: Described in the report

5. Performed forensic and technical procedures: Forensic and technical inspection and photographing of the location

6. Clues and objects found:

a/ Traces of papillary lines (place of discovery, developing and fixing methods)             

Traces of papillary lines have not been looked for.

b/ Other clues and objects found on the location (type of    clues, place of discovery and method of fixing) and remarks of relevance for further treatment of clues

On the basis of the forensic-technical inspection of the location, in the yard at 7 Vardarska Street, where injured Živka Jovanović and Sofija Jovanović have been found, a red-coloured trace resembling blood has been noticed; it has been taken from the scene using physiological solution and filter paper. Several fragments of missiles found on the location at 12 Vardarska Street have been taken and will be sent to the Forensic and Technical Department, Secretariat of Internal Affairs ­ Belgrade.

The location has been photographed as found.

 

Encl.: photo-documentation                                                               Forensic Technician

                                                                                                                Staff Sergeant

                                                                                                 (sgd) Zoran M. Popović

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

Belgrade Secretariat

Criminal Investigations Department

VIII Division

No.

30 April 1999

Belgrade

 

 

REPORT

 

On 30 April 1999, around 3.30 a.m., the following persons were brought to the Emergency Medical Center to be extended medical assistance:

Živka JOVANOVIĆ, born in 1957, resident address in Belgrade, 7 Vardarska Street, no other personal data are available;

Sofija JOVANOVIĆ, born in 1976, resident address in Belgrade, 7 Vardarska Street, no other personal data are available;

Dejan FILIPOVIĆ, born in 1973, resident address in Belgrade, 57 Maksim Gorki Street, no other personal data are available;

Djordje DJURIĆ, born in 1972, resident address in Belgrade, 57 Maksim Gorki Street, no other data are available.

The above persons sustained bodily injuries at their homes at the above indicated addresses earlier that day as a consequence of bombing by NATO warplanes.

The above-mentioned injured persons received medical help at the Emergency Medical Center. The physicians on duty established the following injuries:

The physician on duty, Dr Bešlić, established that the left lower and upper leg of Živka JOVANOVIĆ was hit by a piece of shrapnel, and qualified it as a serious bodily injury. She was retained in hospital, in intensive care unit B. The other physician on duty, Dr Zeković, established that Sofija JOVANOVIĆ sustained grave bodily injury ­ bleeding of major blood vessels and injury in the region of the abdomen, threatening her life. Regarding Dejan FILIPOVIĆ, the physician on duty, Dr Lešić, established minor bodily injuries ­ a scratch on the right lower leg and kept him in the orthopaedic ward. The physician on duty, Dr Zečević, established serious bodily injuries of Djordje DJURIĆ and retained him in the intensive care unit B.

It has not been possible to conduct interview with the injured persons retained in the Emergency Medical Center due to their condition.

Upon the arrival at the scene of the event at 57 Maksim Gorki Street and 7 Vardarska Street it was established that the houses have been demolished. The investigation on the location has not been performed and will be conducted later in the day.

 

(sgd) Capt. Blagoje Peruničić

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murino near Plav (30 April 1999)

On 30 April 1999, during the NATO bombing of houses in the center of the small town of Murino, municipality of Plav, Manojlo Komatina, Milka Kovačević and a small girl, Olivera Maksimović, and Julijana Bruder were killed. Four persons were seriously injured and another four sustained minor injuries.

 

Vitanovac and Žarče near Kraljevo 

   

Sremska Mitrovica 

    

 

Valjevo

   

No. Kri. 71/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

Taken on 12 May 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Valjevo, in the criminal proceedings ­ emergency investigative procedures in connection with the damage on civilian facilities of Krušik Holding Company, Valjevo.

 

Investigative Judge                      Witness ­ wronged party

Dragan Obradović                         Dragoljub Tešić

Court Clerk                                     Also present at the testimony are:

Milena Filipović                             Public Prosecutor                 --

                                                         The Accused                        --

                                                         Defense Counsel                  --

 

The hearing began at 06:25 p.m.

 

It was brought to the attention of the witness that it is his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or his next of kin to disgrace, considerable material damage, or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1) Name and family name             Dragoljub Tešić

2) Father's name                             Mihailo

3) Occupation                                electrical technician, employed with Krušik Holding Company, OUR I­Development within the Krušik­Namenska Unit

4) Address                                      Valjevo, Milorada Pavlovića Estate No. 19

5) Place of birth                              Valjevo

6) Date of birth                               5 September 1952

7) Relation to the accused
or the wronged party           wronged party

 

With regard to the case, the witness stated the following:

 

This deposition is taken on the premises of the Orthopaedic Ward at the Hospital in Valjevo.

The attention of the witness has been drawn to Arts. 231 and 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure, after which he gave the following

 

STATEMENT

On 2 May 1999 in the evening I was in my apartment in Milorada Pavlovića Estate No. 19. My apartment was heavily damaged during previous aerial bombardments of the Krušik Holding Company complex since the building is in the close vicinity of the factory grounds. Sometime around 9:20 p.m., before the air raid sirens sounded the alarm, I heard the sound of airplanes. I went out of my home and started to walk towards the shelter located in another building, about 200 meters from mine. While I was walking towards the shelter, the air raid sirens went off. At that moment I paused to make sure it was indeed the alert sound. After I made sure I heard the siren, I proceeded towards the shelter. When I was some 20 meters from my destination, the first bomb struck some 20 meters away from the building where I live. The explosion threw me on the ground, but I was not hurt. However, I was paralyzed and could not get up. Soon afterwards, I saw another bomb fall in front of my building, some 20 meters away from me. I saw the roof of my building being blown up and that the building was in flames. Lights went out at that moment. "Hell broke loose", I felt something hit my leg and felt a rock next to my leg. I saw that it was a huge rock, I was aware that my leg was broken, that both bones were broken. I was only not sure whether I had a compound or closed fracture of my right leg.

I started to crawl and managed to reach a coal shack. I only managed to put my head inside, while the lower part of my body remained lying outside. When I heard the plane flying away, I crawled again with my injured leg for another 20 or so meters to another building where I had better cover. Then I started to cry help, because I heard voices.

Two young men who saw me injured took me to the building where the shelter was located and called the ambulance.

I was taken to the Emergency Medical Center and from there to the Orthopaedic Ward, where the closed fracture of both right shin bones has been diagnosed.

I had extender put on the leg and since then I am bedridden.

My leg has not been operated and I do not know whether surgery will be needed, it is up to the doctors to decide.

I do not know how long my treatment will take.

I am interested in claiming damages, both material and intangible, but I cannot assess the amount.

That is all I had to say.

The minutes have been dictated aloud and I sign them as such without objections or reading.

Concluded at 6:40 p.m.

 

(signed by witness)

Court clerk,            Investigative judge

(sgd) M. Filipović                (sgd) D. Obradović

 

This is a true photocopy of the original.

Certified by

Investigative judge

(sgd) L. S. Dragan Obradović

 

 

Novi Sad

 

A densely populated Novi Sad neighborhood ­ so-called Detelinara ­ was bombed on 6 May 1999 at 02:30 p.m. Missiles fired by NATO warplanes struck in Janka Čmelika Street, near the "Svetozar Marković-Toza" Primary School and between residential buildings on \ule Molnara Street. Apartments in the buildings in these two streets were completely demolished and are no longer fit for use. Some 20 parked cars were demolished as well. A part of the "Svetozar Marković­Toza" Primary School building sustained heavy damage. Seven citizens were injured in this attack and were given medical help in the Provincial Hospital in Novi Sad. Marija Kovač (1931) and Dragana Petrović (1975) were sereously injured, while Slavica Jovanović (1976), Mladen Findžanović (1960), Nevenka Mitrić (1952), Vinka Savanović (1956) and Dražen Bošković (1976) sustained minor injuries. All of them are residents of Novi Sad.

     

  Niš and Medoševac

 

Residential and industrial parts of Niš were bombed on 7 May 1999 between 2:55 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. in two attacks. A total of 27 highly destructive missiles were fired in these attacks. The heaviest damage occurred in the village of Medoševac, where 5 houses were totally demolished and a dozen heavily damaged. Dragiša An|elković (1947) and his wife Sla|ana (1955) were severely injured, while their daughter Suzana (1975) sustained minor injuries.

On the same day, between 11:30 a.m. and 11:40 a.m., NATO airplanes dropped two containers with cluster bombs. One fell in front of the Pathology Clinic in south-eastern part of the town, where the Clinical Center Niš is located. The other container was dropped in the very heart of the city, close to the University of Niš Rectorate, Outpatient Clinic and central marketplace close to the Niš fortress. Thirteen persons were killed by cluster bombs: Aleksandar Deljanin (1949), Božidar Veljković (1961), Ljubiša Stančić (1941), Božidar \or|ević (1941), Gordana Sekulić (1970), Trifun Vučković (1913), Slobodan Stojiljković (about 60 years old), Dragiša Vučić, Živorad Ilić (1928), Vera Ilić (1934), Saša Miljković (1966), Ljiljana Spasić (1973), who was seven months pregnant, and Gerasim Jovanovski (1915). Eighteen citizens were seriously injured, while 11 sustained minor injuries.

 

                          

  

Belgrade ­ Chinese Embassy

 

Demolition of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Novi Beograd, Trešnjin cvet Street No. 3 by NATO bombing on 8 May 1999

On 7 May 1999 at 11:50 p.m. the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Novi Beograd, Trešnjin cvet Street No. 3, was hit by three missiles. The Embassy building was considerably damaged. Three persons were killed: Hi Hinhu (1968), journalist in "Guang Min Ri Bao", Zhu Jing (1971), journalist at the same newspaper, and Shao Jinhuan (1951), journalist of "Hsinhua". The Military Attache of the Chinese Embassy Ren Bao Kai (1954) sustained severe injuries which endanger his life. Severely injured were also the First Secretary of the Embassy Liu Jing Rong (1953), Embassy Secretary Tzao Lung Fei, Counsellor of the Embassy Ling Sin Chuan, Chinese citizen Jang Jong Feng (other data unknown), while Embassy employees Jang Hai Feng and Dont Jian sustained minor injuries. During the bombing, a large number of buses owned by JAT Airlines parked near the Embassy building were damaged. Other buildings damaged by the same bombing include several smaller business facilities of Energoprojekt, the Music School "Stanislav Binički" (located just behind the Embassy building), four buildings housing Energoprojekt business units, while the main Energoprojekt building also sustained heavy damage. 

 

                   

 

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

Secretariat in Belgrade

Forensic Technical Register No. 100/1860/99

Date: 8 May 1999

 

 

REPORT
ON THE ON-SITE FORENSIC-TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

 

1. Type of offense or event:

Photographing of the damage caused by NATO bombing

 

2. Place and date of occurrence:

Novi Beograd, Trešnjin cvet Street, Mihajla Pupina Boulevard No. 12, on 8 May 1999

 

3. Participants:

Damaged Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Energoprojekt Holding, Elementary Music School "Stanislav Binički".

 

4. Manner of commission:

Described in a separate report.

 

5. Forensic technical procedures performed:

Forensic technical inspection of the site, photographing and gathering of evidence.

 

6. Clues or objects found on the site: Yes

a) traces of papillary lines (place found, developing and fixing method)

Traces of papillary lines have not been sought.

b) Other clues and objects found on the site (type of clues, place found and fixing method) and note of relevance for further processing of clues.

During the forensic technical inspection of the site, a fragment, probably of a missile, was found on the lawn between the Embassy building and "Energoprojekt". It was removed from the site and delivered to Forensic Technical Dept.

The above facilities were photographed as found, with damage.

 

Enclosure:

Photographic documentation

                                                                                                         Forensic technician

                                                                                                         Sergeant

                                                                                                         Zoran M. Popović

 

 

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

SECRETARIAT OF THE INTERIOR IN BELGRADE

Criminal Police Headquarters

Investigations and Operations Department

D-1437/99

Date: 8 May 1999

Belgrade

 

REPORT

 

On 8 May 1999 on two occasions, at 00:10 a.m. and 02:00 a.m. the NATO aggressor bombed the Embassy of the PR of China in Novi Beograd, Trešnjin cvet Street No. 3. As the result, the Embassy building was hit by several missiles and damaged: the complete southern facade (viewed from the mentioned street) collapsed, the roof in the central part of the building was damaged. Fire broke out in the central part of the building, as well as in the right wing, which was also damaged by a missile from the roof to the basement. Many window panes on the building broke as well. A missile which struck in the southern part of the fenced Embassy grounds demolished a small outbuilding, while two vehicles parked in the vicinity ­ a Mercedes passenger car and a Volkswagen van ­ were damaged. The site was inspected without entering the Embassy grounds or the Embassy building because we did not have necessary documentation for entering and conducting the investigation in this area.

Due to the effect of bombing, a large number of buses owned by JAT Airlines, Transport Department, with offices in Novi Beograd, Bulevar umetnosti 16, were damaged on the sidewalk and a larger parking lot in the same street, on the right side of the Embassy building. Several smaller buildings housing various Energoprojekt offices, located just behind the Embassy building, were severely damaged and almost demolished. Another such building used by the Music School "Stanislav Binički" was damaged, as well as four office buildings next to the music school, also used by various Energoprojekt departments. The main Energoprojekt building, located next to the mentioned buildings, was also heavily damaged. Glass broke on three vertical levels, each encompassing four floors. Due to this, the interior of the building was heavily damaged, the computer center located on the ground floor facing the Embassy building was demolished: office furniture, technical equipment, air conditioners were broken. All windows broke in various offices located on different floors.

The bombing caused extensive material damage, which has not been assessed yet. It will be the task of an expert commission.

Forensic technician Zoran Popović photographed and processed the site.

Next to the sidewalk in the mentioned street, near the mentioned parking lot, two buses belonging to a business unit of "Medović prevoz" were found: one with license plate BP 103-66, on which all glass was broken, and the other (BA 161-14), also with all glass broken.

Behind the Embassy building, near its fence, there are two ground-floor business buildings of Energoprojekt, positioned in the form of letter L. As the result of detonation, the roof structure and cladding on these buildings was damaged, some 70 window panes (1.50 x 1.00 m) were broken. Furniture and equipment, such as cabinets, desks, chairs, telephones, TV sets, computers, were demolished in about 50 offices. The following passenger cars, owned by Energoprojekt, were seen on the parking lot behind these buildings with visible damage (broken glass and pierced tires): Alfa Romeo 168 BG 15-03, Fiat Corona 397-917, Nissan Almera BG 166-254, Nissan Almera BG 166-243, Lada Riva BG 183-125, Skala 55 BG 248-867, Skala 55 BG 245-716, Skala 55 BG 105-640, Lada Niva BG 207-041.

The building used by the Music School "Stanislav Binički" is located immediately behind the mentioned Energoprojekt's ground-floor buildings, in Mihajla Pupina Boulevard No. 12. This building was also damaged by the detonation: roof structure and covering were damaged, the wall cladding fell off, all double window panes 1.50 x 1.50 m on (figure illegible, possibly 17) windows were broken, window frames were damaged. Some 20 pianos, 20 accordions, 13 clarinets, 15 flutes, (figure illegible, possibly 30) violins, 6 guitars, as well as a double bass, computer and a TV set were damaged. In the same building, in an apartment where the school janitor Milka (last name illegible) lives with her son Željko all windows were damaged, a chandelier as well as 3 metal plates holding 4 neon lights fell down, while the TV set was damaged as well.

Next to the school building, on its right side, there are four ground-floor buildings used as Energoprojekt offices and business center. Damage occurred in all offices ­ approximately 200: office equipment and furniture, computers, heating equipment, telephones, intercoms, desks, chairs, etc. were demolished.

On the main Energoprojekt building, viewed from the Embassy side, due to detonation windows broke on three vertical levels, each encompassing four floors. As the result, heavy damage occurred on the equipment and furniture in almost all offices in the building. In the basement of the building, on the premises of Civil Engineering Department, all window panes broke and ceilings fell down, while on the ground floor, heavy damage occurred in the copy shop, print shop and computer center. The latter is located on the side facing the Embassy and the damage to the equipment (computers, air conditioners, printers) is so extensive that the computer center is inoperable. Technical and computer equipment was damaged in all offices in the same level and the damage also occurred in (three words illegible) on the side facing the Embassy. In some 10 surrounding offices all furniture, computers, telephones and other equipment were destroyed. Inside the building from the 4th floor down, both on the left and right sides of the lobby, all windows broke from detonation in the offices used by the following departments: Equipment, (illegible), Building Construction, Hydroengineering, Town Planning and Architecture, Industry, and others. In these rooms ceilings dropped off, while equipment and furniture were damaged.

Below the computer center, three doors were damaged in the air conditioning section. On the parking lot in front of the Energoprojekt building stood an Ikarbus bus, license plate BG 192-050, whose windshield was broken, while on the right side (facing the Embassy) 6 window panes 1.20 m x 0.80 m fell out of place.

The site was processed and photographed by forensic technician Zoran Popović. The site was also videotaped.

 

                                                                                                          Captain

                                                                                                         Momčilo Nenezić

Čačak

                 

 

Kri. Br. 14/99

 

ON-SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

Made by the investigative judge of the District Court in Čačak after the NATO bombing of Čačak, which took place on 10 May 1999 at about 3:10 p.m.

 

Present:

 

Investigative Judge:	Deputy District Public Prosecutor:	Crime Technicians:
Branislav Stanić	Dmitar Drobnjak	Dejan Danilović

                                                                                                                 Zoran Spasić

                                                                                                                 Ljubomir Stojanović

Recording Clerk:

Vesna Kuvekalović

 

It has been noted that on 10 May 1999 at about 3:10 p.m. NATO planes flew over Čačak several times, and at about 3:10 p.m., 5-6 strong detonations were heard in the eastern part of the town.

At 3.30 p.m. the investigative judge was informed by the MUP duty service for Čačak that NATO planes had bombed the town, killing 4 people and severely or slightly injuring many others; also that several houses and firms were destroyed or damaged.

Because of the threat that the bombing might be repeated the investigation on the sight started at 5:40 p.m.

Since a large area had been bombed the investigation of the damaged objects was also conducted by the investigative judges of the Municipal Court in Čačak, and they will submit separate reports. The investigative judge of the District Court in Čačak is investigating the sites where citizens were killed or injured. The investigation has established the following:

A truck, Zastava make, license plate BG-924-087, was found on the Čačak roundabout road, at the place where the street Kulinovačko Polje branches off. The front end of this vehicle is turned towards the town Užice and its rear end towards Belgrade. It has the following inscription on the driver's cabin left door: "Construction firm 'Standard', Belgrade".

On the right-hand side of the roundabout road and the Kulinovačko Polje St. (when facing Užice), the land in the vicinity of this vehicle is rough and shaped like a crater, such as one made by missile explosions. There are many parts and pieces of missile fragments in this crater and in the surrounding area.

The vehicle is heavily damaged and burnt. All the windows on the driver's cabin are broken and the tarpaulin is ripped. A male beheaded corpse is found in the cabin next to the driver's seat. It has major injuries, the region of the neck and shoulders is carbonized, and there are major injuries in the abdominal region with the intestine partly protruding. It is established, by checking and identification, that it is the corpse of NASKO (father's name Stamen) RISTIĆ, born on 18 August 1949, from Belgrade - Barajevo, residing at No. 18-A 8th March St., a worker working for the construction firm Standard, Belgrade.

Another male corpse was found on the right side of the front seat with several major injuries on his body. It is established, by checking and identification, that it is the corpse of MILOŠ (father's name Dušan) JOVČIĆ, born on 26 November 1953, from Belgrade - Vinča, living at No.14-A Ladne Vode St., a worker for the construction firm "Standard", Belgrade.

According to information acquired both at the site and from the construction firm "Standard" managers, the vehicle with 8 workers in it was travelling from Belgrade to Užice, to the site Kotroman, where these workers were building a motel. After the bombing 6 remaining workers were transferred to the hospital in Čačak because they had been injured.

The Kulinovačko Polje St. branches off from the right-hand side of the roundabout road (when facing Užice). In this street, at a distance of 50 meters from the described vehicle towards the center of Čačak, there is a bicycle leaning against the fence of the house at No. 23. Its front wheel has recently been damaged by a missile fragment and there are traces of blood on both sides of the roadway leading to this bicycle.

According to information gathered on the site from the local citizens there was a man riding the bicycle at the time of the bombing. It was established later on that he was RADOVAN ĆIROVIĆ, from the village of Ježevica, near Čačak, who had been injured and taken to hospital.

To the left of the described vehicle, at a distance of about 140 meters in the direction of the city outskirts, is the house of Velija Džemailović, at No. 5 Kulinovačko Polje, Potes III. Opposite to this house is the house at No. 2, which belongs to Mileva Grujičić. Both of these houses are largely damaged and partly demolished. The asphalt on the road between the gardens of these two houses, as well as the concrete part of the garden wall at No. 2 are damaged by missile explosion. The trunks of the trees in the garden at No. 5 are broken. Several houses in this part of the town are damaged or partly demolished. There are scattered pieces of tiles, bricks, plaster, and also of missile fragments in the gardens at No. 2 and No. 6 and in the neighboring yards.

The corpse of VELIJA DŽEMAILOVIĆ, born in 1955, was found in the garden at No. 5. There were many major injuries - wounds on this corpse.

According to information received from the local citizens the corpse of DRAGAN (mother's name Danica) OBRENIĆ, born in 1970, from Čačak, living at No.11 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III, had been pulled out of the rubble of this house. His corpse was transferred from the site to hospital at the request of his mother.

The locals also informed that the following people had been injured and were all taken to hospital:

DARINKA VUJIČIĆ, born in 1936, from Čačak, living at No. 4/1 Bogićevićeva St., and ZORAN VUČKOVIĆ, born in 1962, from Čačak, living at n.n. Djordja Tomaševića St. At the time of the bombing the two of them were in the garden and house of Velija Džemailović.

DANICA OBRENIĆ, born in 1932, from Čačak, living at No. 11 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III, and MILEVA GRUJIČIĆ, born in 1934, from Čačak, living at No. 2 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III, who were at the time of the bombing in their backyards, were also injured, as well as ANKA ĆERIMAN, born in 1932, from Čačak, living at No. 8 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III, who was at the time of the bombing at the house of her neighbor, Novak Ćurčić, whose house was damaged.

At a distance of approximately 260 meters from the house of the late Velija Džemailović towards the periphery of Čačak, is the field owned by Jela Stevančević. The land in her field is rough and in the form of a large crater made by a missile explosion. Several houses in this part of the town are damaged and there are missile fragments found both in this field and in the neighboring backyards.

Among the damaged houses in this suburb is the auxiliary building (summer kitchen) of Ratomir Nerandžić, from Čačak, No. 47/1 Kulinovačko Polje. The wall of this house that is turned towards the mentioned field has many holes in it, and missile fragments have penetrated this wall and landed in the house.

According to information provided on the site by the local citizens RATOMIR NERANDŽIĆ, born in 1941, and members of his family, as well as their neighbor MILORAD MAJDAK, were all in this house at the time of the bombing, sitting around the table and dining. After the bombing Ratomir Nerandžić and Milorad Majdak were taken to hospital because they had been injured.

The locals informed that besides these injured citizens many others had been inflicted minor injures. However, they had not reported for treatment by the time this investigation was finished.

The criminologists that are present have collected pieces and fragments of the exploded missiles for possible future forensic examination.

The criminologists photographed the site, video-taped it, and measured what was necessary, and the sketch, photo file and video tape constitute an integral part of this Report.

The medical staff of the hospital in Čačak informed us that the following citizens were admitted to the intensive care unit of their Orthopedic and Surgery Department:

1. MILENKO ĆIROVIĆ, born in 1960, from Belgrade, living at No.11 Milorada Umljenovića St.;

2. MILAN STANKOVIĆ, born in 1975, from the village of Babe, living at No. 11 Radomira Rankovića St., municipality of Sopot;

3. MIODRAG MAKSIMOVIĆ, born in 1970; TRIFKO DJOKIĆ, born in 1958, and IVAN KOSTIĆ, born in 1969, all three working for the construction firm "Standard" and living in the flats for their workers at No.43 Baje Sekulića St.;

4. ZORAN VUČKOVIĆ, born in 1962, from Čačak, living in Djordja Tomaševića St.;

5. DARINKA VUJIČIĆ, born in 1936, from Čačak, living at No. 4/1 Bogićevićeva St.;

6. MILEVA GRUJIČIĆ, born in 1934, from Čačak, living at No. 2 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III;

7. DANICA OBRENIĆ, born in 1932, from Čačak, living at No. 11 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III;

8. RATOMIR NERANDŽIĆ, born in 1941, from Čačak, living at No. 47/1 Kulinovačko Polje; and

9. ANKA ĆERIMAN, born in 1932, from Čačak, living at No. 8 Kulinovačko Polje Potes III.

All of them have major injuries, some of them even life threatening injuries. Some are presently in the surgery room and some might be transported during the night or the following day to the highly specialized clinics in Belgrade.

10. Both DUŠAN VASIĆ, born in 1946, from Belgrade, living at No. 43 Baje Sekulića St. in the flats for the workers, a worker for the construction firm Standard, and

11. MILORAD MAJDAK, from Čačak, living at Kulinovačko Polje no number Potes IV, were discharged after being treated for minor injuries;

The forensic doctor, Dr. Miloš Manitašević, who is a forensic medical expert working for the Health Center in Čačak, was ordered to perform the autopsy of the corpses of Nasko Ristić, Miloš Jovčić, Velija Džemailović, Dragan Obrenić, and these autopsy reports will constitute an integral part of this Report.

The investigation on the site was finished at 7:50 p.m.

 

Recording Clerk                             L.S.                                        Investigative Judge

Vesna Kuvekalović                                                                       Branislav Stanić

 

HEALTH CENTER - ČAČAK

HOSPITAL

PATHOLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

ČAČAK

 

 

Autopsy requested by B. Stanić, investigative judge of the District Court in Čačak.

 

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Name and Surname:      NASKO RISTIĆ

Occupation:                    /

Born in:                           1949

Place of birth:                 Trgovište

Domicile:                         Beljina

Date of death:                10 May 1999

Place of death:               Čačak

Treated for:                     /

 

Date of the autopsy:     11 May 1999 at: 10:00 a.m.

Identity No.                    C-10/99

Autopsy performed by:

                                                                         Dr Miloš Manitašević

 

Killed in the NATO bombing while driving a vehicle on the main road to Čačak, on the site near the firm Mehanizacija Hidrogradnje (Hidrogradnja Machinery).

 

A) EXTERNAL FINDINGS

1. Male body about 165 cm long, age 50. The skeleton and muscles are well developed. A well nourished person. Rigor mortis present in all joints. No signs of atonia on the back of the trunk. The skin is pale-gray.

2. The head, neck, and the left shoulder, superior, are completely destructed and torn into small and large pieces. Most of them are missing and the present destructed soft tissue is bruised. The parts of the head, face, and neck cannot be recognized at all, nor can the bones in the head and neck, which are also destructed. There are small pieces of glass, sand, earth, and metal in the remaining soft tissue. The thorax is cylindrical and normal. The abdomen is in the level of the chest. Male pubic eminence.

3. There is a wide gaping wound on the right side of the thorax and it extends to the superior part of the abdomen on the same side. It is the size of 32 x 18 cm. The skin, muscle tissue, and bones on the right side of the thorax are completely destructed and missing. The sides and edges are ragged, torn, bruised, and dark red. Torn thoracic and abdominal organs, as well as some intestine curves, are protruding from the gaping wound.

4. The right hand and the inferior part of the forearm are almost completely separated from the right upper arm and superior part of the right forearm. They are bound together only by small strips of skin. The soft tissue and muscles in this region are completely torn and lacerated, with ragged and bruised sides and edges.

5. There are many wounds on the front side of the body in the region of the chest, abdomen, and limbs, anterior. They range in size from 0.5 to 3 cm. The sides and edges of these wounds are ragged, torn and bruised, and there are small pieces of broken glass, metal, grit, sand, and earth in some of them.

6. In numerous places on almost the entire front part of the body the cutis is grazed and the exposed subcutaneous tissue is dry, hard, brownish-red, and even black in some regions. The grazes range in size from a pea to a bean and they are covered with dirt, earth and sand.

7. No foreign content is found in the genital hole and anus.

8. There are no other changes or wounds on the corpse beside those described.

 

B) INTERNAL FINDINGS

a) Head

9. The head is completely destructed and neither the brain parts nor the cranial bones can be recognized. Most of them are missing and the soft tissue is completely destructed, bruised, and dark red.

 

b) Neck and chest

10. The organs in the neck and the entire soft tissue and the bones down to the level of the 5th cervical vertebra are completely destructed and mostly missing. The remaining soft tissue and bone elements are amorphous, dark-red, bruised and colored by blood. There is some liquid dark-red content on the inferior esophagus walls. The superior part of the esophagus is missing, as well as the superior end of the trachea. The mucosa in the preserved parts is smooth and anemic. The lymph glands below the trachea bifurcation are calcified and are the size of a pea. The hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are completely missing.

11. The walls of the thoracic cavity right side are covered with liquid, dark-red blood. No foreign content is found on the left side of the thoracic cavity. The lower lobe of the right lung wing is torn, with ragged and bruised edges and sides. The preserved lung tissue has a distinct structure, it is airy, anemic, and flat in the section. No content flows out of the bronchi and bronchiole when they are pressed.

12. There is a small quantity of clear yellowish liquid in the cardiac sac. The pericardium, epicardium, and endocardium are smooth and clear. The fat tissue under the epicardium is distinct and is yellowish gray. The size of the heart is 11.5 x 11 cm and there is some liquid, dark-red blood in its cavities and on its walls. The artery and vein mouths are passable and with normal valves. The left ventricle wall is not thicker than 15 mm and the right one is not thicker than 5 mm. The cardiac muscle is tough, anemic, and has a distinct structure in the section. A 3 mm probe can pass the mouths of the coronary arteries, whose walls, as well as the aorta walls, are flexible and with smooth endothelium. The oval hole and Bottalo's duct are closed.

 

c) Abdomen

13. There is some liquid, dark-red blood in the abdominal cavity and on its walls. The parietal and visceral peritoneum is smooth and anemic. The superior right half of the abdomen is torn, bruised and dark-red. Most of the liver is destructed. Namely, its right lobe is destructed in the size of a male fist, with ragged and bruised edges and sides. The preserved parts have a smooth capsule, a distinct structure, and they are anemic. The gall bladder has some dark gall in it. Its mucosa is like velvet and colored by gall. The spleen is free with a smooth capsule, the size of 15 x 17 x 3 cm, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. The pancreas and suprarenal glands are of normal size, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. The kidneys are of normal size, anemic, and the capsules rub off easily. The surface in the section is smooth and the cortex is distinct from the other tissue. The mucosa in the pielon is smooth and anemic.

14. There is about 150 ccm of clear yellowish urine in the urinary bladder. Its mucosa is anemic and with normal creases. The prostate is of normal size.

15. There is some gray mushy content on the stomach walls and its mucosa is anemic and with normal creases. There is standard content in the intestine and colon and its mucosa is anemic and with normal creases. The appendix is 8 cm long.

 

d) Bones

16. All the bones were examined and beside the already described multiple fractures in the head, face, and neck, where there are smaller and larger bone pieces, it was found that the last 4 ribs on the right side, at the level of the already described wound, are fractured. Most of these rib pieces are missing, the bone ends are rough and rugged, and the soft tissue around the fractures is colored by blood, dark-red, and bruised. The bones in the right forearm, medially, are comminuted into smaller and larger pieces, and the soft tissue around the fractures is colored by blood, dark-red, and bruised. No other fractures were found.

 

­ Photographed by the police

 

CONCLUSION

I It is a case of violent death. The death is the result of the head, neck, and abdomen being destructed by fragments of an explosive air-to-surface missile launched by NATO.

 

 

Verified by:            (sgd) Dr Miloš Manitašević

Investigative Judge             Forensic medicine specialist             

(sgd) Branislav Stanić

 

HEALTH CENTER - ČAČAK

HOSPITAL

PATHOLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

ČAČAK

 

 

Autopsy requested by B. Stanić, investigative judge of the District Court in Čačak.

 

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Name and Surname:                      MILOŠ JOVČIĆ

Occupation:                     /

Born in:                                           1953

Place of birth:                                 Vinča - Belgrade

Domicile:                                         Vinča - Belgrade

Date of death:                                10 May 1999

Place of death:                               Čačak

Treated for:                                     /

 

Date of the autopsy:     11 May 1999 at: 12:00 (noon)

Ident. No.                        C-11/99                                                   Autopsy performed by:

                                                                                                         Dr Miloš Manitašević

 

Killed in the NATO bombing while sitting in a vehicle next to the driver on the main road to Čačak, at the site near the firm "Mehanizacija Hidrogradnje".

 

A) EXTERNAL FINDINGS

1. Male corpse about 176 cm long, age 46. The skeleton and muscles are well developed. A well nourished person. Rigor mortis present in all joints. There are only rare grayish-purple signs of atonia on the back of the trunk. The skin is pale-gray.

2. Graying brown hair, not longer than 3 cm. Ginger moustache with pointed ends, which isn't longer than 2 cm. The eyelids and eye parts are amorphous and the skin on the face is completely smeared with black soot and dust. The lips are dry and grayish-purple. The teeth are natural. The neck is cylindrical and flexible. The preserved parts of the thorax are cylindrical. What is left of the abdomen is in the level of the chest. Male pubic eminence.

3. There is a wide gaping wound on the left side of the head, in the region of the hair, starting from the left parietal bump descending over the left side of the forehead and then extending to the right side of the forehead, right eyebrow, and right temporal region. Its size is 22 x 6 cm and it has ragged, torn, and bruised edges and sides. The wound enters the cranial cavity in which the bones are fractured and where the brain tissue is destructed.

4. There is a wide gaping wound on the right anterior side of the thorax, extending from the inferior-anterior part of the neck down the interior part of the thorax left side, 4 cm from the left nipple, and down to the superior and medial parts of the abdomen. It also extends to most of the right shoulder, to the right upper arm down to the elbow, and to the right half of the thorax. Its size is 56 x 49 cm, and its edges and sides are ragged, torn, and bruised. Most of the wound is sooty and covered with dirt, earth, and sand. Almost all the thoracic and abdominal organs are missing, and the remaining soft tissue of these organs is completely destructed, torn, and transformed into a dirty mushy mass full of earth, sand, dirt, and pieces of broken glass, metal, rubber, and plastic in it.

5. There is an irregular vertical wound on the right hand. It extends down along the forefinger base and body to the middle finger. It has ragged, torn and bruised edges and sides, and is the size of 7 x 2 cm.

6. There are many wounds on the anterior of the trunk, face, thorax, arms, and legs. They range in size from 0.5 to 3 x 2 cm. The sides and edges of these wounds are ragged, torn and bruised, and there are small pieces of dust, earth, sand, and broken glass in these wounds.

7. The skin on the left upper arm, left thigh anterior, left and right knees, and left shin is grazed and the exposed subcutaneous tissue is dry, hard, and reddish-brown. The grazed areas range in size from a pea to a bean.

8. No foreign content is found in the nose, mouth, earslobes, genital hole and anus.

9. There are no other changes or injuries on the corpse beside those described.

 

B) INTERNAL FINDINGS

a) Head

10. The scalp tissue is dry and anemic. Along the wound on the left side of the head the tissue is dark-red, and bruised. The bones of the vertex of the scull, along the left side of the parietal bone, and the frontal bone, are impressed in the shape of a cone the size of 12 x 3 cm, with both large and small fractured pieces. The tender mater and the brain tissue in the left lobe, as well as in the left temporal and left parietal region is destructed, full of blood, dark-red and bruised. The dura mater in this region is destructed, full of blood, dark-red and bruised. The preserved tissue of the dien cephalon, medulla oblongata, spinal cord, and of the cerebrum and cerebellum is anemic and has a distinct structure in its section. The arteries at the brain base are flexible and the endothelium is smooth. The cranial ventricles are normal with smooth and anemic ependyma. The bones in the vertex and base of the scull have been examined and no other fractures were found except the already described impressed fracture on the vertex.

 

b) Neck and chest

11. The tongue is tough with distinct lymph nodes on its base. The organs in the superior part of the neck, i.e. the pharynx and superior quarter of the esophagus, as well as the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage and thyroid gland lobes, are preserved. The other organs in the neck are completely destructed and they are either missing or are hardly recognizable.

12. The tissue of both lung wings, of the heart, heart sac, and of the blood vessels in the chest, as well as the tissue of the organs, is completely destructed, with no structure, and turned into an amorphous mass which is mixed with earth, sand, and pieces of glass and metal.

 

c) Abdomen

13. The abdominal cavity is completely perforated. Most of the front wall is missing. Its walls and the preserved regions are covered with dirty red blood. The abdominal organs are completely destructed, torn, and transformed into an amorphous mass mixed with earth, sand, small pieces of glass, and metal. What is left of the organs in the abdominal cavity are pieces of torn intestine and colon, as well as the pelvic organs, i.e. the urinary bladder and prostate, which is of corresponding size.

b) Bones

14. All the bones in the head, neck, trunk and limbs were examined, and except the already described multiple fractures of the parietal bones it has also been found that the bones in the front part of the thorax, namely the ribs on both sides, the sternum, and the collar bones, are fractured and mostly missing. The remaining pieces are protruding from the wound.

­ Photographed by the police

 

CONCLUSION

I It is a case of violent death. The death is the result of the vital centers in the brain, as well as the thoracic and abdominal organs, being destructed by fragments of an explosive air-to-surface missile launched by NATO.

 

 

Verified by:            (sgd) Dr Miloš Manitašević

Investigative Judge             Forensic medicine specialist             

(sgd) Branislav Stanić                                                        

 

HEALTH CENTER - ČAČAK

HOSPITAL

PATHOLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

ČAČAK

 

Autopsy requested by B. Stanić, investigative judge of the District Court in Čačak.

 

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Name and Surname:      VELIJA DŽEMAILOVIĆ

Occupation:                    /

Born in:                           1955

Place of birth:                 Čačak

Domicile:                         Kulinovačko Polje, Čačak

Date of death:                10 May 1999

Place of death:               Čačak

Treated for:                     /

 

Date of the autopsy:     11 May 1999 at: 2:00 p.m.

Ident. No.                        C-12/99                                                   Autopsy performed by:

                                                                                                         Dr Miloš Manitašević

 

Killed by a launched air-to-surface missile. During the NATO bombing he was in the backyard of his house, which is located in the wider area of the firm "Mehanizacija Hidrogradnje."

A) EXTERNAL FINDINGS

1. Male corpse about 169 cm long, age 44. The skeleton and muscles are well developed. A well nourished person. Rigor mortis present in all joints. No signs of atonia on the back of the trunk. The skin is pale-gray.

2. Graying brown hair, which isn't longer than 7 cm. Graying moustache and beard, which are not longer than 1 cm. The eyelids are closed, the conjunctiva is smooth and anemic, the cornea is clear, the iris is brown, and the pupils are round, of the same size, and 4 mm in diameter. The lips are dry and grayish-purple. The teeth are natural. The neck is cylindrical and flexible. The thorax is cylindrical and normal. The abdomen is in the level of the chest. Male pubic eminence.

3. There is a wide gaping irregular-shaped wound extending from the left lumbar region down to the whole left hip and buttock, and also extending to the interior third of the right buttock, the entire lumbar region and down to the superior-posterior part of the left thigh. The wound is the size of 57 x 36 cm and its sides and edges are ragged, torn, and bruised. The tissue in it presents the destructed and torn abdominal and pelvic organs, as well as smaller and larger bone pieces of the fractured left ilium, pubis, and ischium.

4. There is an irregular horizontal wide gaping wound covering the entire inferior-interior part of the right thigh. It is the size of 48 x 24 cm and its edges and sides are ragged, torn, and bruised. It practically separates the right leg below the knee from the right thigh. The two parts of the leg are bound only by a 7 cm wide strip of skin. The wound itself consists of torn skin, subcutaneous soft tissue, muscles, and the fractured inferior end of the right femur bone. The soft tissue is dark-red, full of blood, and bruised.

5. The left foot is almost completely separated from the inferior end of the left shin by a horizontal wound. The size of the wound is 36 x 20 cm and its edges and sides are ragged, crushed, torn, and bruised. The left foot is holding to the shin by a 4 cm strip of skin. The wound itself consists of completely torn skin, subcutaneous soft tissue, muscles, and of the fractured left shinbone.

6. There are many wounds on the front side of the corps, in the region of the face, most of the chest, abdomen, and the limbs, anterior. These wounds range in size from 1 x 0.5 cm to 3 x 0.5 cm. Their sides and edges are ragged, torn and bruised, and there are small pieces of grayish metal, concrete, sand and earth in them.

7. On many spots on the face, and over most of the front part of the chest, abdomen, legs, and arms, the cuticle is grazed and the exposed subcutaneous tissue is dry, hard, and reddish-brown. The grazes range in size from a grain of wheat to the size of a corn and bean grain.

8. No foreign content is found in the nose, mouth, earlobes, genital hole and anus.

9. There are no other changes or wounds on the corpse except those described.

 

B) INTERNAL FINDINGS

a) Head

10. The scalp tissue is dry and anemic. There are several dark-red bruises on the forehead in the form of dots and patches. The vertex is pear shaped, the size of 155 x 145 cm and its thickness ranges from 3-7 mm. The dura mater is smooth and pearly, and there is some liquid dark-red blood in its cranial vessels and walls. The brain is of the corresponding size and it has normal furrows and convolutions. The dura mater is smooth and clear. The arteries on the brain base are flexible, with smooth endothelium. The fossae of Sylvius have no foreign content in them. The tissue of the dien cephalon, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord, cerebrum and cerebellum is anemic and it has a distinct structure in the sections. The cortex and the gray nucleus brain tissue are distinct. The cranial ventricles are of normal size, with smooth and anemic ependyma. After the dura mater was removed all the bones of the scull top and base were examined and no fractures were found.

c) Neck and chest

11. The tongue is tough with distinct lymph nodes at its base. There is no foreign content in the pharynx and esophagus and its mucosa is smooth and anemic. There is no foreign content in the trachea and bronchi and their mucosa is smooth and anemic. The lymph glands under the trachea bifurcation are calcified and are the size of a pea. The thyroid gland lobes are the size of a small plum, anemic and glossy in the section. The thymus is replaced by fat tissue. The hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are intact.

12. There is no foreign content in the thoracic cavity, the lungs are free, the pleura is smooth and clear, the tissue of the lungs is flexible and airy, anemic and distinct in the section. No content flows out of the bronchi and bronchiole when they are pressed.

13. There is a small quantity of clear yellowish liquid in the cardiac sac. The pericardium, epicardium and endocard are smooth and clear. The fat tissue under the epicardium is distinct and it is yellowish gray. The size of the heart is 11 x 11 cm, and there is some liquid dark-red blood in its cavities. The artery and vein mouths are passable and with normal valves. The heart muscle is tough, anemic, and has a distinct structure in the section. A 3 mm probe can pass the coronary artery mouths, whose walls, as well as the aorta walls, are flexible and with a smooth endothelium. The oval hole and Bottalo's duct are closed.

c) Abdomen

14. There is some liquid, dark-red blood on the walls of the abdominal cavity. The parietal and visceral peritoneum is smooth and anemic. The spleen is free with a smooth capsule, the size of 13 x 7 x 3, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. The liver is free with a smooth capsule, the size of 27 x 20 x 7 cm, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. There is some dark gall in the gall bladder. Its mucosa is velvety and colored with gall. The pancreas and suprarenal glands are of normal size, anemic, and with distinct structure in the section. The kidneys are of normal size, anemic, and their structure is distinct in the section. The mucosa in the pielon is smooth and anemic.

15. The urinary bladder is completely torn with ragged and bruised edges and sides, as well as the prostate and pelvic organs.

16. There is about 250 ccm of watery and mushy grayish content in the stomach. The mucosa is anemic and with normal creases. The preserved parts of the intestine and colon have standard contents in them, but the parts in the pelvic region are torn, with bruised edges and sides and mostly with amorphous structure.

 

d) Bones

17. All the bones in the head, neck, trunk, and limbs were examined and the following was found: complete fracture of the right femoral bone, its inferior part, into smaller and larger pieces. Complete fracture of the tibia and fibula in the left shin consisting of smaller and larger pieces. The left pelvic bones, posterior, as well as the sacrum, are completely fractured consisting of smaller and larger pieces. The tissue and muscles around all these fractures are ragged, bruised, and dark-red.

 

­ Photographed by the police.

 

CONCLUSION

I It is a case of violent death. The death is the result of loss of blood from the destructed pelvic organs and from the partly dismembered lower limbs caused by fragments of an explosive air-to-surface missile launched by NATO.

 

 

Verified by:            (sgd) Dr Miloš Manitašević

Investigative Judge             Forensic medicine specialist             

(sgd) Branislav Stanić                                                        

 

HEALTH CENTER - ČAČAK

HOSPITAL

PATHOLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

ČAČAK

 

 

Autopsy requested by B. Stanić, investigative judge of the District Court in Čačak.

 

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

Name and Surname:                      DRAGAN OBRENIĆ

Occupation:                                    /

Born in:                                           1970

Place of birth:                                 Čačak

Domicile:                                         Braće Stanić St., Čačak

Marital status:                                married

Date of death:                                10 May 1999

Place of death:                               Čačak

Treated for:                                     /

 

Date of the autopsy:     11 May 1999 at: 4:00 p.m.

Ident. No.                        C-13/99                                                   Autopsy performed by:

                                                                                                         Dr Miloš Manitašević

 

Killed by a launched air-to-surface missile in the NATO bombing, during which he was in the backyard of his house, which is located in the wider area of the firm "Mehanizacija Hidrogradnje".

 

A) EXTERNAL FINDINGS

1. Male corpse about 175 cm long, age 29. The skeleton and muscles are moderately developed. A moderately nourished person. Rigor mortis present in all joints. There are some non-distinct, rare, single, and pale grayish-purple signs of atonia on the back of the trunk. The skin is pale-gray.

2. Brown hair, not longer than 6 cm. A moustache and beard, which are not longer than 3 mm. The eyelids are closed, the conjunctiva is smooth and anemic, the cornea is clear, the iris is brown, and the pupils are round, of the same size, and 4 mm in diameter. The lips are dry and grayish-purple. The teeth are natural. The neck is cylindrical and flexible. The thorax is cylindrical and normal. The abdomen is under the level of the chest. Male pubic eminence.

3. There is a horizontal, irregular, cone-shaped wound in the left armpit region. It is the size of 12 x 6 cm and it has ragged, torn, and bruised edges and sides. Its bottom is in the form of a canal entering the left thoracic cavity.

4. There is an oblique, irregular, cone shaped wound on the right upper arm, anterior-medially. It is the size of 6 x 3 cm with ragged, torn and bruised edges and sides. The wound on the right upper arm covers the whole anterior muscle width.

5. There is an irregular, horizontal, cone wound on the external side of the right thigh, inferior-anterior. It is the size of 4 x 2 cm with ragged, torn and bruised edges and sides.

6. Many dense, irregular shaped abrasions on the skin, ranging in size from 1 x 1 cm to 1 x 3 cm, are found on the: whole face, extending both to the hairy part of the head and to the front part of the neck, especially on the left side; on the thorax, anterior; on the right upper arm, forearm, and hand; on the right thigh, anterior and interior; on the left shoulder, left upper arm and forearm, posterior; on both buttocks, posterior; and on both thighs and shins, posterior. These wounds have fringed, torn and bruised edges and sides with sharp pieces of grayish irregularly-shaped metal, pieces of crushed concrete, sand, and earth in them. There are many grazes on the skin around these wounds. The patches without cuticle range in size from a grain of wheat to a bean, and the exposed subcutaneous tissue is dry, solid, and dark-red.

7. No foreign content is found in the nose, mouth, earlobes, genital hole and anus.

8. There are no other changes or wounds on the corpse beside those described.

 

B) INTERNAL FINDINGS

a) Head

9. The scalp tissue is dry and anemic. There are dark-red patch-like bruises on the left side of the forehead. The vertex is pear shaped, the size of 157 x 140 cm, and its thickness ranges from 3-7 mm. The dura mater is smooth and pearly. The brain is of normal size. The tender mater is smooth and clear. The arteries on the brain base are flexible, with smooth endothelium. The fossae Sylvius have no foreign content in them. The tissue of the dien cephalon, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord, and the cerebrum and cerebellum are anemic and have a distinct structure in their sections. The cranial ventricles are of normal size, with smooth and anemic ependyma. After the dura mater was removed no fractures were found on the scull top and base.

e) Neck and chest

10. The tongue is tough with distinct lymph nodes at its base. There is no foreign content in the pharynx and esophagus and their mucosa is smooth and anemic. There is no foreign content in the bronchi and bronchiole and their mucosa is smooth and anemic. The lymph glands below the bronchi trachea are calcified and are the size of a pea. The thyroid gland lobes are the size of a plum and are glossy and anemic in the section. The hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are intact.

11. There is about 2200 ccm of liquid dark-red blood in the left thoracic cavity and there is no foreign content in the right thoracic cavity. The left lung upper lobe is completely torn; the torn part is 3 x 2 cm in size, with ragged, torn and bruised edges and sides. The preserved lung tissue is distinct and anemic in the sections.

12. The walls of the cardiac sac are completely torn and there is liquid dark-red blood in it. On its anterior, i.e. on the left ventricle anterior wall, there is an irregular wound the size of 2 x 1 cm with ragged, torn and bruised edges and sides. The pericardium, epicardium, and endocard in the preserved regions are smooth and clear. The size of the heart is 11 x 10 cm and there is some liquid dark-red blood in its cavities and on its walls. The artery and vein mouths are passable and with thin and normal valves. An irregular shaped gray metal fragment with sharp edges, the size of 2 x 1 cm, was found in the heart muscle. The heart muscle in the preserved regions is tough, anemic, and has a distinct structure in the section. A 3 mm probe can pass the mouths of the coronary arteries, whose walls, as well as the aorta walls, are flexible and with a smooth endothelium. The oval hole and Bottalo's duct are closed.

c) Abdomen

13. There is no foreign content in the abdominal cavity. The parietal and visceral peritoneum is smooth and anemic. The spleen is free with a smooth capsule, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. The liver is free with a smooth capsule, the size of 27 x 19 x 7 cm, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. The pancreas and suprarenal glands are of normal size, anemic, and with a distinct structure in the section. The kidneys are of normal size, anemic, and their structure is distinct in the section. The mucosa in the pielon is smooth and anemic.

14. The urinary bladder contains about 250 ccm of liquid yellowish urine. The mucosa is anemic and has normal creases. The prostate is of normal size.

15. There is about 150 ccm of mushy content in the stomach and its mucosa is anemic and with normal creases. The intestine and colon have standard contents in them and their mucosa is anemic and with normal creases.

 

d) Bones

16. All the bones in the head, neck, trunk, and limbs have been examined and the following has been found: the 4th rib on the left side, in the level of the armpit is irregularly fractured. A part of the soft tissue in this region, the size of 2 x 1 cm, is bruised and dark-red. No other fractures were found.

 

­ Photographed by the police.

 

CONCLUSION

I It is a case of violent death. The death is the result of loss of blood from the destructed lungs and heart caused by a fragment of an explosive air-to-surface missile launched by NATO.

 

 

Verified by:            (sgd) Dr Miloš Manitašević

Investigative Judge             Forensic medicine specialist

(sgd) Branislav Stanić

X

*10          X

SITE SKETCHES

NATO Aerial Bombardment of Čačak
on 10 May 1999

Čačak

"CER"

KNj.UV. 315/99.

Construction Machinery

"HIDROGRADNJA"

Legend:

Belgrade

Truck, "Zastava" make
license plate BG 924 087

 

Site of the explosion

Details Nos. 1, 2 and 3

Field

Verified by:

Investigative judge

(sgd) Branislav Stanić

 

seal of the District Court in Čačak

Criminologist technician

Dejan Danilović

* See Bombing of Bridges and Communications (photos 52­54)

Kri.747/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

made on 17 June 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Belgrade in the case v. unknown perpetrators for committing a crime under Article 141 of the Penal Code of FRY.

 

Investigative Judge                                      Witness

Ilija Simić                                                         Sladjan Ristić

 

Court Clerk                                                     Also present at the testimony were:

Svetlana Milutinović

                                                                         Public Prosecutor

 

                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                         The Accused

 

                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                         Defense Counsel

 

                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

 

Proceedings began at 8:30 a.m.

 

The attention of the witness was drawn to his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or a close relative to disgrace, considerable material damage or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1. Name and family name              Sladjan Ristić

2. Father's name                             Nasko

3. Occupation                 locksmith

4. Domicile:                                     Beljina, No. 18-a 8th March St.,
municipality of Barajevo

5. Place of birth                              Belgrade

6. Date of birth                               18 May 1974

7. Relationship to the accused
or the wronged party:          /

 

With regard to the case the witness stated the following:

Attention of the witness was brought that he is obliged to tell the truth, after which he gave the following:

 

Statement

My late father, Nasko Ristić, lived in the household with my mother Vasilka, my sister Jelena, born in 1981, and with my wife, my child, and myself. We lived in the village of Beljina, where we have a family house and some land.

Since 1998 my father has been working as a driver for the construction firm "Standard", Belgrade.

In the last two years he spent a lot of time on the construction site in Mokra Gora, near Užice. On Sunday, 9th May 1999, my father was at home with us and the following morning, Monday 10 May 1999, he and my mother left for work early in the morning.

When my mother returned home from work she told me that my father had gone to Mokra Gora on business.

That night I heard on TV the news that NATO aircraft had hit a truck of the construction firm "Standard", and it immediately occurred to me that it might be my father's truck. We instantly rang the Čačak police department and they informed us that my father and Miloš Jovčić had been killed in the bombing.

I only know that my father's body was torn. However, I never saw his remains since we didn't open the coffin before the burial. We buried him on the Beljina cemetery.

My father was born on 18 August 1949 in Trgovište. His father's name is Stamen and his mother's name is Kata.

That is all that I had to say. The Minutes were dictated aloud so I am signing them without any objection or reading.

 

Concluded at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

Signature

Recording Clerk                                                                                    Investigative Judge

(sgd) S. Mitrić                                                                                       (sgd) I. Simić

 

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

ČAČAK MUNICIPALITY

 

 

DEATH CERIFICATE

 

The following death was registered in the Death Register for the area of Čačak under No. 423 for 1999

 

Name and sex                                 NASKO - male

 

Surname, and surname from

previous marriage, if any                              RISTIĆ

 

Identification number                   1808949710255

 

Date, month, year and time of death          10 (tenth) May 1999, at 3:15 p.m.

 

Place and municipality of death  ČAČAK, ČAČAK

 

Date, month, year and time of birth            18 August 1949

 

Place and municipality of birth;

country of birth, if born abroad  Radovnica, Trgovište

 

Citizenship                                                      FRY

 

Domicile address                                           Beljina, Barajevo, No. 18-A 8th March St.

 

Marital status                                                 Married

 

Name and surname, and surname of the

spouse from previous marriage, if any       VASILKA RISTIĆ nee Janković

 

Name and surname of parents Father STAMEN RISTIĆ

of the deceased                             Mother KATA RISTIĆ

 

Subsequent entries and notes:                   /

 

 

No.203-802/99-06

 

In: Čačak                                                Date: 1 June 1999 Registrar's signature

                                                                                                                Nenad Vasić

Seal affixed

Kri.709/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

made on 11 June 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Belgrade in the case v. unknown perpetrators for committing a crime under Article 141 of the Penal Code of FRY.

 

Investigative Judge                                      Witness

Ilija Simić                                                         Snežana Jovčić

 

Court Clerk                                                     Also present at the testimony were:

Stana Mitrić

                                                                         Public Prosecutor

 

                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                         The Accused

 

                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                         Defense Counsel

 

                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Proceedings began at 9:00 a.m.

 

The attention of the witness was drawn to his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or a close relative to disgrace, considerable material damage or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1. Name and family name                              Snežana Jovčić

2. Father's name                                             Stanko

3. Occupation                                 shop assistant

4. Domicile                                                      No. 14-a Ladne vode, Vinča

5. Place of birth                                              Surdulica

6. Date of birth                                               10 October 1960

7. Relationship to the accused or the
wronged party

With regard to the case the witness stated the following:

Attention of the witness was brought that she is obliged to tell the truth, after which she gave the following:

 

Statement

My late husband, Miloš Jovčić, was a truck driver for the firm "Standard", Belgrade, with offices on Batutova street.

On 10 May 1999 my husband went to work as usual, at 7:00 a.m, and in the course of the morning he rang to tell me that he would go on business to Mokra Gora, where his firm had a construction site. He told me over the phone to pack some things for the trip, which I did; at 11:30 a.m. he dropped by, took those things and left. That was the last time I saw him. On that occasion he told me that he would be away for a week and that he was driving the workers of his firm to the construction site in Mokra Gora.

That evening I heard on the TV news that a NATO aircraft had hit a truck of the construction firm "Standard" near Čačak, and it immediately occurred to me that it might be the truck in which my husband had left. My doubts came true that very night when the police informed me that my husband had been killed. I found out that my husband's colleague, Nasko Ristić, had been driving the truck, that my husband was sitting on the seat next to the driver's seat, and that he died instantly.

I was told that my husband had been travelling on the Ibarska magistrala main road, and when they had come near Čačak, the truck my husband was in was struck. My husband had nothing to do with the military. Aboard the truck were workers and their work was not associated with the army in any way ­ they were constructing some apartment buildings.

Thus, after being married for 18 years I am now left without a husband, alone with my two children, my son Dušan, who is 17, and my daughter Ivana, who is 13.

Needless to say that I am in a very difficult situation after the loss of my husband. I have been left with minor children who are still students, and I also have to look after my husband's old and ill parents, who are 75 and 76 years old, respectively.

I enclose herewith the death certificate from which it can be seen that my husband Miloš was born on 26 November 1953 in Bosansko Grahovo, and that his father's name is Dušan and mother's name is Olga.

That is all that I had to say. The Minutes were dictated aloud, so I am signing them without any objection or reading.

 

Concluded at 9:30 a.m.

 

Recording Clerk                                                                                    Investigative Judge

(sgd) S. Mitrić                                                                                       (sgd) I. Simić

 

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

ČAČAK MUNICIPALITY

 

 

DEATH CERIFICATE

 

The following death was registered in the Death Register for the area of Čačak under No. 457 for 1999.

 

Name and sex                                 MILOŠ- male

 

Surname, and surname from

previous marriage, if any                              JOVČIĆ

 

Identification number                   2611953710273

 

Date, month, year and time of death          10 May 1999

 

Place and municipality of death  ČAČAK, ČAČAK

 

Date, month, year and time of birth            26 November 1953

 

Place and municipality of birth;

country of birth, if born abroad  Bosansko Grahovo, Bosansko Grahovo

 

Citizenship                                                      Republic of Bosnia & Herzegovina

 

Domicile address                                           Vinča, No. 14-a Ladne vode

 

Marital status                                                 Married

 

Name and surname of spouse, and

surname of the spouse from previous

marriage, if any                                              SNEŽANA JOVČIĆ nee Stanojev

 

Name and surname	Father	DUŠAN JOVČIĆ
of parents of the deceased	Mother	OLGA JOVČIĆ

 

Subsequent entries and notes:                   /

 

 

No. 203-848.00/99-06

 

Place: Čačak                                          Date: 8th June 1999              Registrar's signature

                                                                                                                RUŽICA PAPIĆ

Seal affixed

Orljane near Doljevac (photos 79­80)

 

     

 

Murino near Plav (11. May 1999)

On 11 May 1999 at about 02:00 a.m. NATO airplanes launched several missiles on the town of Murino, municipality of Plav, Montenegro. In this attack the houses of the families Grozdanović, Djordjević, Živaljević, Katić, Mijović, Koranović, and Lutovac were completely destroyed and rendered uninhabitable. Besides, the roof and roof structure of the elementary school "Petar Dedović", as well as the door and window frames and glass surfaces of the local House of Culture were damaged. Murino and the surrounding area were left without water and electricity supplies; telephone lines were cut, and postal services were interrupted. In fear from further attacks the locals fled to the woods and neighboring villages. (photos 81­87)

 

No. Kri - 773/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

Made on June 18, 1999 before the investigative judge of Belgrade District Court in the criminal proceedings against unknown perpetrators for the criminal act under Article 141 of the Penal Code of FRY.

 

Investigative judge                                       Witness:

Ilija Simić                                                         Danijel Ivić

 

Court clerk                                                      Also present at the hearing:

Stana Mitrić

                                                                         Public Prosecutor

                                                                         _________________

 

                                                                         The Accused

                                                                         _________________

 

                                                                         Defense Counsel

                                                                         _________________

 

The hearing began at 10:00 a.m.

 

The witness was warned of his/her duty to tell the truth, not to withhold anything, and of the consequences of perjury. He/she was also warned that he/she was under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself/herself or next-of-kin to disgrace, considerable material damage or criminal prosecution. The witness answered general questions as follows:

1) Name and family name:            Danijel Ivić

2) Father's name:            Djordje

3) Occupation:               4th grade student of elementary school

4) Domicile:     Vrbovac village, Kosovska Vitina municipality

5) Place of birth:             K. Vitina

6) Date of birth:              April 26, 1986

7) Relationship with the accused
or the injured party.....

With regard to the case, the witness stated the following:

It is noted that the witness has been questioned in the Belgrade Military Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment at the plastic surgery ward.

Prior to the hearing, the investigative judge interviewed the underage Danijel Ivić and came to a conclusion that he was capable of communicating and giving logical answers and description of events.

The witness responded to the investigative judge's questions as follows:

I live in the village of Vrbovac, near Kosovska Vitina, with my father Djordje, mother Kruna, a 13-year old sister Violeta, and grandfather Danilo. I am a 4th grade student of the elementary school in our village.

On May 16, 1999, around 3:00 p.m., I set off towards a field of ours where my father was working. The field is 2 km from our house, in the direction of the village of Mogila. I was supposed to take water to my father. On the way I crossed a field overgrown with grass. Suddenly, black smoke appeared before me and I heard a bang. Fragments started to fly. I felt that I was injured and started crying for help.

I realized that I had been injured by one of the cluster bombs dropped from planes in the vicinity of our village in the past few days. I have seen the bombs before. They were 40 cm long, resembling a yellow bottle. An elderly man was injured by a cluster bomb some days before that. I do not know his name, but I do know that he is a pensioner who had worked in Germany. He was injured close to the eye.

I do not know how the bomb was triggered off. All I know is that I heard a bang in front of me, I saw the smoke and was hit by fragments.

The first person who came running in response to my cries for help was Milica Dajić who was working in a nearby field together with her husband. She called out and my brother Trajče and my father came running to us. He and my father took me to hospital in Gnjilane where I spent the night. The following day I was brought here, to the Military Hospital in Belgrade. I lost both my legs. At first I was blind, but the vision of my left eye has been restored, while I still cannot see anything with my right eye.

My father has been visiting me here at the hospital, but I am very much worried about my family because I heard that the situation down there is bad.

That is all I have to say about the incident.

The minutes have been read to me, they contain my full account, and I have no objections thereto.

The hearing ended at 11:30 a.m.

 

                                                         (sgd) Danijel Ivić

Recording clerk                                                                              Investigative judge

(sgd) Stana Mitrić                                                                         (sgd) Ilija Simić

 

 

 

EXPERT HEARING RECORD

 

Made on June 17, 1999 at the Military Hospital.

Expert: Dr. Branislav Piščević, a plastic surgery specialist from Belgrade, No. 16 Koste Racina Street, born on December 29, 1957 in Belgrade, father's name Stanislav, unrelated to the witness. After having been warned, he made the following statement:

Danijel Ivić was admitted on May 18, 1999, to the Belgrade Military Hospital as an emergency case. He was transported from the hospital in Gnjilane the day before. He had been injured by a cluster bomb in his village. His right lower leg and a part of his left leg, from the upper leg downward, had been amputated in the hospital in Gnjilane. Both his eyes were injured and his eardrum ruptured. He had wounds inflicted by bomb fragments all over his body.

The necessary interventions have been made and he will have to rest in bed for several months during treatment. When his condition allows it, he will have to have prostheses implanted. He had suffered extremely grave injuries that had put his life in danger. This is my report and opinion.

I have read the record and sign it as my own accordingly.

 

                                         (sgd) Dr. Branislav Piščević

 

Recording clerk                                                                              Investigative judge

(sgd) Stana Mitrić                                                                                 (sgd) Ilija Simić    

 

Jasenica near Valjevo (photos 92­94)

         

Kri. No. 90/99

 

REPORT

 

On the investigation after the NATO bombing of the village of Jasenica near Valjevo, which took place on 18 May 1999. The investigation was conducted on 18 and 19 May 1999 by the investigative judge of the District Court in Valjevo

 

P r e s e n t:

Investigative judge:                      Crime inspectors of the Valjevo

Dragan Obradović                         Secretariat of the Interior:

                                                         Milenko Krstić

                                                         Desimir Obradović

 

                                                         Crime technicians:

                                                         Željko Nenezić

                                                         Predrag Ilić

 

The investigation began on 18 May 1999 at 3:00 p.m.

 

After the police inspectors informed the investigative judge at 1:30 p.m. that one person had been killed, several persons injured, and that huge material damage was inflicted in the NATO bombing of the village of Jasenica, which took place at 12:42 p.m., the investigative judge accepted the oral proposal of the Valjevo District Public Prosecutor and proceeded to the site to carry out investigation.

 

SITUATION ON THE SITE

The investigation on the site started after the sirens sounded the end of the air raid threat, which on 18 May 1999 lasted from 12:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. During the air raid, besides bombing the village of Jasenica, the NATO forces bombed the villages of Donja Grabovica and Gornja Grabovica. However, most of the missiles were fired at the chemical complex "Krušik" Holding company in Valjevo, and at the surrounding residential area.

The site of the investigation is in the of village Jasenica, at the household of Mileta Krunić, from Jasenica, whose house is located on the left side of the asphalt road which passes through the village.

On arrival at the site the investigative judge was informed that the corpse of the late Milka Krunić had been pulled out of the rubble and that it had already been put in the hearse of the firm "Vidrak" to be transported to the hospital in Valjevo. After the crime technician had photographed the body the investigative judge ordered it to be taken for autopsy to the mortuary of the hospital in Valjevo.

The investigative judge was informed on the site that in the bombing of the village of Jasenica Miroljub Krunić, the son of the late Milka Krunić, had been injured and was admitted to the Valjevo Emergency Medical Center because of a fractured leg.

Vladan Krunić, from Jasenica, who pulled the body out of the debris of the house, can serve as a witness.

At the time when the investigation was about to begin, at 3:45 p.m., the air raid sirens went on again and the investigation had to be suspended. It was agreed that the procedure be continued the following day.

The investigation judge and the investigation team went to the emergency medical center in Valjevo to obtain data on the kind and degree of Miroljub Krunić's injuries, as well as the data on other persons that had been injured the same day in the bombing of Valjevo and surrounding villages.

The investigative judge was given the following data at the emergency medical center:

 

a) Admitted for treatment:

1. Miroljub (father's name Mileta) Krunić, born in 1956, from Jasenica, sustained major injuries, i.e. fractures of the right shin;

2. Slavoljub Simić, born in 1966, from Valjevo, living at No. 85/5 Oslobodioci Valjeva St., operated on because of a left upper arm fracture;

3. Milica (father's name Novak) Maksimović, born in 1928, from Valjevo, living at No. 78 Oslobodioci Valjeva St., sustained a brain concussion;

4. Vladimir (father's name Milan) Milutinović, born in 1977, from Valjevo, living at No. 66 Oslobodioci Valjeva St., sustained an open fracture of the right forearm;

5. Jovanka (father's name Radomir) Vujić, born in 1936, from Valjevo, living at No. 9 Milana Drakulića St.;

6. Radmila (Tanasije) Nestorović, born in 1927, from Valjevo, living at No. 11/2 Zbratimljeni gradovi, whose left hip is fractured.

 

b) Examined and discharged for treatment at home:

1. Draga (father's name Radoje) Krunić, born in 1952, from Valjevo, living at No. 48/6 Oslobodioci Valjeva St., whose left shin is bruised, including abrasions;

2. Zlatija (father's name Tihomir) Djordjević, born in 1957, from Valjevo, living at No. 4 Vojina Sofronića St., whose nasal bones and both hands are bruised, including abrasions;

3. Darko (father's name Trajanko) Krstić, born in 1978, from Valjevo, living at No. 81/6 Oslobodioci Valjeva St., whose left wrist is concussed;

4. Mirko (father's name Marjan) Tufegdžić, born in 1963, from Valjevo, living at n.n. Kosjerićka St., whose left side of the thorax has been bruised;

5. Petar (father's name Milorad) Ninić, born in 1927, living at No. 1 Pasterova St., whose right side of the thorax has been bruised and is swollen;

6. Veselinka (father's name Vojislav) Simić, born in 1929, from Valjevo, living at No. 35 Zdravka Jovanovića St., whose right knee is sprained and the ligaments in the left knee are broken;

7. Milena (father's name Dragomir) Ilić, born in 1952, from Valjevo, living at No. 79/5 Oslobodioci Valjeva St., whose left shin is with abrasions;

8. Marija (father's name Radosav) Marković, born in 1984, from Valjevo, living at No. 8 Prešernova St., whose right knee is bruised, combined with abrasions on the right leg;

9. Mila (father's name Radoje) Perić, born in 1968, from Radjevo Selo, whose right ankle is sprained;

10. Ankica (father's name Boško) Lazarević, employee of the District Court in Valjevo, whose thorax and right ankle are concussed;

11. Ljubica (father's name Dragan) Grujičić, born in 1968, from the village of Popučak, whose head is bruised and who has scratches on her face and knees;

12. Stanimir (father's name Milojko) Mijailović, born in 1963, from the village of Strmovi, near Lajkovac, whose right hand ulna is fractured.

 

Concluded on 18 May 1999 at 4:30 p.m.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUED

On 19 May at 9.00 a.m.

 

PRESENT:

The previously listed officials, except for inspector Milenko Krstić.

SITUATION ON THE SITE

The household of Mileta Krunić is located in the village of Jasenica, about 3 km northeast of the Krušik Holding Company - Valjevo grounds.

His house is located next to the asphalt road that passes through Jasenica in the direction of Gornja Grabovica, on its left side.

There is no fence on the side of the house facing the road. There is a two-winged metal gate at the wooden fence that separates M. Krunić's backyard from the backyard of his neighbor, Ljiljana Reljić.

In the first part of the backyard, next to the wooden fence on the right, when observing from the road, there is a foundation of a house under construction.

When observing from the road, there is a wooden fence to the left which goes to the far end of the backyard separating the vegetable garden from the fenced backyard of Mileta Krunić. In the front part of the backyard, viewed from the road, next to the mentioned foundation, which is on the right side, there is a car, make Lada 1500. It has license plate VA 101-06, and it is parked on the left side of the backyard, before the wooden fence, parallel with both the asphalt road and the part of the backyard separated by the fence.

The windshield on this vehicle is broken, as well as its windows on the right side. The trunk of the car is deformed.

 

TRACES ON THE SITE

The distance from the left side of the asphalt road, when observing from the direction from which the investigative judge from Valjevo arrived in Jasenica, to the wooden fence, where most of the buildings belonging to the household of Mileta Krunić are located, is 32 meters.

There had once been a ground-floor house within the fence and it is now destroyed. That house was 5 meters far from the described fence, and according to the visible traces it was the size of 16 x 8 meters. This ground-floor house is completely destroyed and it is turned into a pile of building blocks and bricks, wooden beams, and pieces of a concrete slab, all crushed, broken and smashed. To the right of this debris, towards the buildings on the right side, there is a broken chimney, and in the ruins one can recognize a bathroom tub, a brown carpet, ceramic tiles, forks and spoons. There is nothing else left of the house. The right wall of the house, when observing from the road, was 25 meters to the right from the mentioned fence that divides the backyard of Mileta Krunić's household from his vegetable garden.

To the left of the once left corner of the destroyed house, quite close to the fence, is a wooden shed, which is destroyed, as well as the coarse-grain grinder that had been in it. The shed was the size of 2.50 x 2.50 meters. The wooden shed continues into a wooden corn shed and then a shack for firewood. All three structures are under the same roof. The overall size of both wooden structures is 6 x 1.2 meters and their roof was covered with flat tiles. A large number of cement bags, which are piled in this shed, are damaged. The wooden structures are badly damaged or better to say completely ruined.

In the far end of Mileta Krunić's backyard, 10 meters behind the rear left corner of the house, i.e. behind the rubble of the house, down the hill and towards the backyard with the fence around it, is a built furnace which is also damaged. There are construction blocks, bricks, and a wooden structure scattered around in this part of the backyard. The trees are pulled out and there is also a burnt oil stove in the backyard.

Behind the fence, in the vegetable garden, behind the former wooden storage building is a damaged outhouse, which is covered with the same flat tiles as the corn shed and shack for wood.

Four meters to the once right rear corner of the house, in the part of the backyard without the fence, there is a workshop made of bricks, i.e. a garage, which to the right, in the form of the capital letter L, continues as a barn. Both ends of this building are covered with tiles. The garage, i.e. workshop, is the size of 5 x 5 m while the barn is the size of 9 x 4 meters.

The windows on the front and the rear sides of the workshop are broken, the rear window frames are dislocated, and the welding set inside the workshop is destroyed. The tiles on both the workshop and on the barn are damaged, on the latter on both sides of the roof, on the one facing the road and the other towards the rubbish dumps under the barn, on top of which is a pile of shattered tiles.

According to the owner of the house, Mileta Krunić, who was present during the investigation, the house consisted of a large dining room for guests, a sitting room and a niche kitchen, an anteroom, a room, a storeroom, and a bathroom.

He said that the house was equipped with all necessary furnishings, which were completely destroyed (a fridge, an electric cooker, a stove for wood, kitchen elements, a German made color TV set and another black-and-white one, four beds, one boiler, one bathtub, and one toilet bowel. The owner also said that a fire broke out after the missile had directly struck his house, but it was quickly extinguished.

No crater was found during the investigation. It is possible that there is one, it may be covered with the heap of rubble.

According to Mileta Krunić, the owner of the house, his wife was in the house at the time when the missile struck, as well as his severely injured son, who managed to get out, but not without injuries. He himself was near the barn and that is why he was not injured.

The site was photographed and filmed with a video camera by the Valjevo police crime technicians, and the photo file will constitute an integral part of this Report.

Concluded at 10:00 a.m.

 

                                                                                                         Investigative judge

                                                                                                         (sgd) Dragan Obradović

 

AUTOPSY REPORT

 

On the now late Milka Krunić, from Jasenica. The autopsy was performed on 19 May 1999 in the Mortuary of the Valjevo Hospital on request of Dragan Obradović, the investigative judge of the District Court in Valjevo

 

Pathologists:                                                  Assistant pathologist:

Dr. Ljiljana Vujić                                            Tomislav Tanasić

Dr. Vesna Krstevski

 

EXTERNAL FINDINGS

1. Female corpse about 165 cm long, age about 70. The skeleton and muscles are moderately developed. A well nourished person. Rigor mortis present in all joints. Atonia on the back of the trunk in the form of dark purple single and merged patches. The skin is pale-gray.

2. Graying hair 30 cm long. The eyelids are closed, the conjunctiva is smooth and anemic, the cornea is slightly dull, the iris is yellowish-brown, and the pupils are round 4 mm in diameter. The lips are missing and this is described in the following passage 3. The neck is cylindrical, with limited flexibility. The thorax is cylindrical and normal. Female breasts. The abdomen is above the level of the chest. Female pubic eminence.

3. The skin and the subcutaneous tissue in the central forehead region are damaged in the size of 3 x 2.5 cm and the facial bones are exposed. The sides and edges are torn and bruised. There is another defect with the same characteristics. It is 1 cm from the former one towards the nose tissue and its size is 1 x 0.5 cm. The skin and the subcutaneous tissue at the base of the nose are damaged in the size of 2 x 1 cm and the bone is exposed. The sides and edges are torn and bruised. There is an irregular vertical wound on the septum, medially. Its size is 1.5 x 1 cm. Its canal enters the nasal cavity and the septum tissue is fragmented. There is a bruise, the size of 1 x 1 cm on the tip of the nose. The upper and the lower lips are torn and bruised. There is a 1.8 cm long horizontal wound under the right eyebrow, exterior with soft tissue on its bottom, and its edges and sides are bruised. The inferior part of the right eyelid is torn and partly missing. The skin on the right half of the face has numerous dark red dots, patches, and lines with grazed and dry cuticle. The largest patch is 1.8 x 1 cm. The left mandible corner has a wound on it, in the size of 5 x 1 cm, which extends upwards and interior. There are completely fractured facial bones on its bottom and its sides and edges are torn and bruised. The wound has coagulated blood, pieces of tissue, earth, pieces of glass, and metal pieces in it, which are not larger than a wheat grain. There is an irregular wound extending upwards and interior from the left corner of the lips. It encompasses the nostrils, its inferior, and medial part. Its edges and sides are torn and bruised and there are pieces of tissue and bone fragments from the maxilla, face, and nose. The medial part of the left earlobe is missing and the remaining parts are torn and bruised. There is a wound 2 cm right above the place where the left earlobe links to the head. It extends upwards and interior, into the hairy part of the head. The wound is 8 x 3 cm, it has a completely fractured bone with dislocations on its bottom, and its edges and sides are torn and bruised. Fragments of the fractured bones are protruding from it. The skin on the left part of the forehead has 8 total defects with bones on their bottoms. The largest such defect is 1.5 x 1 cm. At the top of the forehead on the left side, where the hair starts, there is a total defect of the cuticle and subcutaneous tissue in the size of 3 x 1 cm with a bone at its bottom. There are 4 more cuticle and subcutaneous tissue defects in the hairy region, on the left side of the top of the head, which have the same characteristics as the former ones but are somewhat smaller. The entire head is deformed and it has layers of earth, gravel, pieces of glass and metal on it. There is a wound on the left side of the neck, at its base. It is the size of 5 x 4.5 cm and its edges are torn and bruised. It extends downwards and oblique, in the form of a 15.5 cm long canal entering the thoracic cavity. The canal contains coagulated blood, torn tissue, as well as foreign bodies, such as sand, pieces of glass and metal the size of a pea. There is another wound 1 cm from this one, in the exterior direction. It is the size of 3 x 1 cm. It is similar to the previous wound but it is only 1 cm deep and has soft tissue on its bottom. There is yet another wound at a distance of 0.5 cm from the latter one, in the exterior direction. It is similar, with soft tissue inside, about 1 cm deep and almost of the same size. On both sides of the thorax the skin has many dark red patchy and grazed bruises. They are arranged irregularly and there are too many to describe the location of each one. There are 5 separate wounds in the region of the left breast, in its upper exterior quarter. The largest one is the size of 5 x 3.5 cm. The breast tissue is in the bottom of all these wounds and their edges are torn and bruised. There is a wound the size of 2 x 1 cm in the inferior- interior quarter of the same breast, near the nipple. It has the same characteristics as the previous wounds. The skin on the right breast, inferior-interior quarter, is with abrasions in the size of 3 x 0.7 cm. There is a wound the size of 4 x 2 cm, which is 10 cm above the left hip. Its edges are torn and bruised and there is torn muscle tissue on its bottom. There are two smaller wounds with the same characteristics right above this one. On the left upper arm, both inferior and exterior, there are many dark red single and merged grazed and dry patches. The top of the right shoulder has a bruise the size of 4.5 x 2.3 cm. The right forearm, inferior, has three irregular wounds with torn and bruised edges. The largest one is 3.5 x 2 cm and torn blood vessels, nerves, and muscle tissue are protruding from all of them. There is a wound 2 cm above the right knee, which is the size of 2 x 0.5 cm. Its edges are torn and bruised, and it has torn muscle tissue on its bottom. There is a bruise the size of 3.5 x 3.5 cm at the ankle of the same leg. There are bruises on both thighs 8 cm from the groin pits.

4. She was dressed in a gray woollen-cloth skirt, red T-shirt, men's socks, and she had a kerchief tied around her neck.

5. There is earth, dust, as well as pieces of glass and metal in the mouth and nasal cavities. There is no foreign content in the ear canal, genital hole, and anus.

6. There are no other changes or wounds on the corpse except for those described.

 

INTERNAL FINDINGS

a) The scalp tissue has the defects described under 3. There is a bruise the size of 8 x 5 cm. There are many impressed fractures with loose pieces on the top of the head, left side, of which three are impressed into the left lobe brain tissue. The dura mater, which is pearly and has dark blood coloration, is torn at these fractures. No foreign content is found in the fossae Sylvius. The tissue of the cerebellum, pons, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord is moist and anemic. The arteries in the brain base have reduced flexibility and have grayish yellow growths on the endothelium. There is no foreign content in the cranial cavities and they have smooth and anemic ependyma. There is a small quantity of dark red blood in the cavities of the frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid bones, and there is no content in the middle ear. There are many irregular complete fractures with dislocations on the scull base, especially on the left side.

8. The tongue is in the mouth cavity and it is covered with sand and mud. There is no foreign content in the pharynx and esophagus and their mucosa is smooth and anemic. There is a small quantity of liquid dark red blood in the bronchi and bronchiole with foreign sand-like particles in it. The lymph glands below the bronchi trachea are dark and are the size of a bean. The thyroid gland lobes are of normal size and are distinct in the section. The thymus is replaced by fat tissue. The hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are intact.

9. There is about 300 ml of both semi liquid and coagulated dark red blood in both thoracic cavities. Both lung wings have completely grown to the pleura, pericardium and omentum. The pleura and some of the grown in pieces of lungs in the upper left lobe and the upper and lower right lung lobes are torn and bruised. Most of the tissue at the top of the left upper lung lobe is destructed. A bloody and foamy content flows out of the sections when they are pressed.

10. There is no foreign content in the cardiac sac. The pericardium and epicardium are moderately colored by blood and smooth. The endocard is smooth and clear. The artery and vein mouths are passable and with thin and normal valves. The thickness of the right ventricle wall is 5 mm and 15 mm in the left one. The heart muscle has a distinct structure in its section and it is moderately colored by blood. The artery and vein mouths are passable and their walls, as well as the aorta walls, are flexible and with a smooth endothelium. The oval hole is closed.

11. There is no foreign content in the abdominal cavity. The parietal and visceral peritoneum is smooth and moderately colored by blood. The spleen is free with a smooth capsule, with crushed edges and yellowish in the section. There is about 4 ccm of gall in the gall bladder. Its mucosa is like velvet and colored with gall. The pancreas is of normal size and partly degenerated by fat. The suprarenal glands correspond in size and they have a distinct structure in the section. The kidneys are tough, with capsules that rub off easily, smooth, and moderately colored with blood. They have a distinct structure in the sections. The mucosa in the pielon is smooth and moderately colored with blood.

12. There is a larger quantity of human excreta in the colon, where the mucosa is smooth and moderately colored with blood. There is about 100 ccm of urine in the urine bladder and the mucosa is anemic and with normal creases. The internal genital organs correspond to the age.

13. There is about 300 ccm of grayish mushy content in the stomach with pieces of undigested food in it. The mucosa in it has dark blood coloration and normal creases. The appendix is free, about 11 cm long. There is standard content in the intestine and colon, and the mucosa is moderately colored and smooth.

14. The left clavicle is fractured across its middle and the fractures are dislocated and fragmented. The first left rib is completely fractured 5.5 cm from the sternum, the second at a distance of 8.5 cm, the third at a distance of 5 cm, the fourth at a distance of 3.2 cm, the fifth at a distance of 3 cm, the seventh at a distance of 2 cm, and the eighth, ninth and tenth are fractured at a distance of 6 cm. All these fractured ribs are on the left side of the thoracic cavity, they are total fractures, and the values represent the distance from the fracture to where the rib links with the sternum. The ribs on the right side of the thoracic cavity are also completely fractured and the distances from the fractures to the sternum are: the second at a distance of 3 cm, the third at a distance of 6 cm, the fourth at a distance of 6.5 cm and 4.5 cm. The 6th thoracic vertebra is completely fractured. The edges of the fracture are rough and pieces of metal, the size of a wheat grain, are found with tweezers. There are no fractures on the remaining bones in the trunk, nor in the limbs. The facial bone fractures have been described under 3. It should be added that all the bones on the left side of the face are completely fractured without the skin being damaged, except for those parts that have been mentioned. The injuries on the body were photographed prior and during the autopsy.

 

CONCLUSION

I        It is a case of violent death. The death is the result of massive destruction of the brain (cerebrum), of broken spinal cord, and of massive external bleeding. The complete and impressed fractures on the scull have damaged the cerebrum tissue. The broken spinal cord is the result of the 6th thoracic vertebra complete fracture. The damaged major blood vessels in the neck resulted in massive bleeding. The bone fractures, vertebra fracture, and the damage, i.e. tearing of the major blood vessels are the result of a blast thrust, which is created by exploding bombs.

 

 

(sgd) Dr. Vesna Krstevski                                                            (sgd) Dr. Ljiljana Vujić

L.S.

 

Verified as true copy of the original

(sgd) Dragan Obradović

Investigative Judge

 

Kri. 96/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

made on 26 May 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Valjevo during the urgent investigation after the NATO bombing of the village Jasenica on 18 May 1999

 

Investigative Judge                      Witness

Dragan Obradović                         The wronged party -Mileta Krunić

 

Court Clerk                                     Also present at the testimony were:

Svetlana Milutinović

                                                         Public Prosecutor

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                         The Accused

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                         Defense Counsel

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

 

Proceedings began at 11:05 a.m.

 

The attention of the witness was drawn to his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose him or a close relative to disgrace, considerable material damage, or prosecution. The witness answered the general questions as follows:

 

1. Name and family name              MILETA KRUNIĆ

2. Father's name                             Dragiša

3. Occupation                 farmer

4. Domicile                                      Jasenica

5. Place of birth                              Jasenica

6. Date of birth                               22 February 1937

7. Relationship to the accused
or wronged party:                                the wronged

 

With regard to the case the witness stated the following:

Attention of the witness was brought to Articles 231 and 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure, after which he gave the following

 

STATEMENT

Until 18 May 1999 I was living with my now late wife, Milka, and with my son, Miroljub, in my family household in the village Jasenica near Valjevo.

We had a ground-floor house, which consisted of the following premises: a large dining room, a sitting room and a niche kitchen, an anteroom, a room, a storeroom and a bathroom. The foundations of the house were 16 x 8 meters. We had a wooden storeroom in our back yard, as well as a corn shed and a shack for firewood, all three under the same roof. We also had a built furnace for baking bread. All these were in one part of the backyard. In the other part of the backyard, near the house, there was a brick workshop and a brick barn, which were under the same roof. The household covered an area of 3200 square meters.

On 18 May 1999 my son and I had been in Valjevo and we returned home about noon. My now late wife prepared some meal for us after which all three of us were to do our chores. I had left the house and I remember having heard the air raid siren. It was at about 12:40 p.m.

After I had left the house I noticed something like a white glare - in the shape of a soccer ball. I could hear the noise of a plane but I couldn't see it. I looked in the direction of the ball in the sky and it seemed as if it were heading towards our house, so I shouted out to my son and wife to run, and I ran to the other side of the backyard, towards the barn.

Our village was not targeted before in the bombings so my son and wife didn't leave the house quickly enough. I know that my son had run out first and I think he saw this ball in the air approaching our house, so he rushed and reached the small gate in front of the house, which is about 5 meters from the house and which leads to the upper part of the backyard. My late wife had left the house and she was at the doorstep when the missile struck our house. At that moment I was in shelter between the barn and the workshop, some 10 meters away from the two of them.

My wife was killed at that site instantly after the explosion when a concrete slab fell on her head. I had approached her and saw she was dead, and then I went to my son, who had crawled to an apple tree in the upper part of the backyard. He had first told me he was all right, but I noticed he had pain in his legs, so I touched them and noticed they were cold. Because of this I called my neighbors to help me and they really arrived very quickly and drove my son to the emergency health center in Valjevo. He is still being treated in the hospital for fractures of the right leg.

My wife's body was partly covered with the rubble and my neighbors, Vladan Krunić, from Jasenica, being one of them helped me pull her out. I could see injuries on her head, but I don't know whether she had injuries elsewhere.

We managed to pull her out from the debris, after which she was transferred to the emergency health center in Valjevo for autopsy on order of the investigative judge.

The missile razed my house to the ground and a small fire broke out, but I don't know what caused it, whether it was the very missile or the explosion of our color TV. Anyhow, firemen came soon afterwards and they extinguished the fire.

In this event I not only lost my wife, but my house too, which we had been investing in since we married in 1959. Practically everything that we had is in the rubble of the house that the investigative judge saw; a fridge, electric cooker, stove for wood, kitchen sink, four beds in the rooms, one German made color TV, but I don't know its make, one black and white TV, the entire bathroom with a boiler, bathtub, and toilet bowl, tables, i.e. a large dining table for guests, chairs, cupboards. I had all the household items - bed linen, three dining services, cutlery, a sewing machine, a radio, a cassette player, a vacuum cleaner, a freezer. All my late wife's, my son's and my own clothes have been destroyed, as well as carpets, chandelier, and curtains, but I can't tell you the exact quantities since my late wife knew better about such things.

The other buildings within my household have been damaged too, such as the wooden storage room in which there was a coarse-grain grinder. In the wooden corn shed and the shack for firewood, which have also been damaged, I had about 20 bags of cement, which were prepared for the construction of our new house up in the backyard. My workshop and barn have also been damaged and the investigative judge established that when investigating the site. My welding set which was in the workshop is also destroyed, as well as the built furnace for baking bread, which has to be rebuilt. Four quince trees that had been in my backyard were pulled out. My whole backyard was covered with grass, which is completely destroyed, and that whole fenced part of the backyard is destroyed too.

The wooden fence is also partly damaged. I do not know whether some municipal commission came to assess the war damage, however, they didn't give me any report.

The windshield and the right side windows on my son's car, make Lada 1500, license plates VA 101-06, which had been in the backyard, were broken. The trunk is dented and it cannot be locked any more.

Since this event I have no home and for the time being I am temporarily staying in my next door neighbor's summer cottage. Her name is Ljiljana Reljić and her property in Jasenica is next to mine.

Some civil defense representatives came to the site and they brought a camp trailer and a tent, which I am using now during the day.

The electricity lines had been broken by the bombing but they were repaired. The civil defense representatives also brought me tiles and they covered my barn and workshop.

The windows on the barn and the garage, which were destroyed, have not been repaired yet.

On behalf of my son, who is still in hospital, and in my name, I am submitting a claim for the intangible damage, i.e. the death of my wife, to which I am entitled. I am also claiming compensation for the material damage, i.e. for the destroyed household property. I cannot state the amount in either case, since I am not an expert in the matter to, so I leave it to the experts to assess.

I forgot to mention that my small gas stove with two plates, which was in the house, and an oil stove, which was in the backyard, were also destroyed.

My son told me that he had DM 200 in one of his winter-coat pockets. I tried to find this coat in the rubble but I didn't manage to find anything.

We had no gold, so these 200 DM is the only valuable I claim compensation for.

That is all that I had to say. The Minutes have been dictated aloud so I sign them without any objection or reading.

 

Concluded at 11:35 a.m.

 

 

Court Clerk                                                                                     Investigative judge

 

 

 

Verified as true copy of the original

(sgd) Dragan Obradović

Investigative Judge

Kri. 96/99

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

made on 27 May 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Valjevo during the urgent investigation after the NATO bombing of the village Jasenica on 18 May 1999

 

Investigative Judge                      Witness

Dragan Obradović                         Miroljub Krunić

 

Court Clerk                                     Also present at the testimony were:

Dragica Šestović

                                                         Public Prosecutor

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                         The Accused

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

 

                                                         Defense Counsel

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

 

Proceedings began at 12:45 p.m.

 

The attention of the witness was drawn to his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or a close relative to disgrace, considerable material damage or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1. Name and family name              Miroljub Krunić

2. Father's name                             Mileta

3. Occupation                 Driver for the road maintenance enterprise
in Valjevo

4. Domicile                                      Jasenica

5. Place of birth                              Valjevo

6. Date of birth                               15 February 1965

7. Relationship to the accused
or the wronged party:          wronged party

 

With regard to the case the witness stated the following:

The wronged party gave his testimony in the Orthopedics Ward, hospital in Valjevo.

Attention of the witness was brought to Articles 231 and 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure, after which he gave the following

 

STATEMENT

On 18 May 1999 in the morning hours I went to the Emergency Center in Valjevo to get an injection because of my right hand, which had been injured before. After that my father and I returned home in my car, which has license plates VA 101-06. When we arrived I parked the car near the fence that separates the part of the backyard where the house was situated. The front of the vehicle was turned towards the vegetable garden.

After that my father and I went into the house and we had lunch. Then we went out, since we had some chores to do. I remember I heard the air raid siren go on and I remember hearing three nearby detonations. Till then the NATO forces never targeted our village, though they flew over it very often, almost every day.

I remember my father had gone to the other end of the backyard, between the barn and the workshop, while I was very near the house and my mother was practically at its front door, near me, when the house began to crumble. Personally, I didn't hear the missile that hit our house.

The house collapsed on my mother after it had been hit. I was partly covered by the falling material. However, I managed to pull myself out of the rubble and to crawl 20 - 30 meters away from it, to the other end of the backyard towards the village road.

I can't say who organized the rescue. Anyhow the people from the civil defense arrived soon after and I was quickly transferred to the Emergency Center Ward of the Valjevo Hospital, where I am still being treated. What I know is that my right ankle was fractured and I now have a plaster cast above my knee. My cervical vertebrae have also been injured and my kidneys were concussed.

Our entire property is left under the rubble of our house. My mother was killed, our house destroyed, and I told my father to look for and take the 200 DM which I had in one of the pockets of my coat. All my civilian papers as well as my military booklet are under the rubble.

I am submitting a claim for the intangible damage, i.e. the death of my mother, to which I am lawfully entitled. I am also claiming compensation for the material damage and for the injuries I have suffered. I cannot state the amount since I am still under treatment.

This is all that I had to say. The Minutes were dictated aloud, so I sign them without any objection or reading.

 

 

signature

 

Finished at 1:00 p.m.

 

Court Clerk                                                                                     Investigative Judge

                                                                                                         (sgd) Dragan Obradović    

 

K-KIO No. 96/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

made on 27 May 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Valjevo during the urgent investigation after the NATO bombing of the village Jasenica on 18 May 1999

 

Investigative Judge                      Witness

Dragan Obradović                         Forensic expert Dr. Dragan Jeremić

 

Court clerk                                      Also present at the testimony were:

Dragica Šestović

                                                         Public Prosecutor

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                         The Accused

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                         Defense Counsel

 

                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Proceedings began at 1:30 p.m.

 

The attention of the witness was drawn to his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or a close relative to disgrace, considerable material damage or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1. Name and family name              Dr. Dragan Jeremić

2. Father's name                             Djordje

3. Occupation                 orthopedics & traumatology spec.

4. Domicile                      No.5/11 Naselje Oslobodioci Valjeva St., Valjevo

5. Place of birth                              Ljig

6. Date of birth                               1950

7. Relationship to the accused
or the wronged party:          none

 

With regard to the case the witness stated the following:

Attention of the witness was brought to Articles 231 and 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure, after which he presented the following

 

FINDINGS

I am acquainted with the case for which forensic opinion is required, and I wish to state the following:

The name of Miroljub Krunić has been entered in the Emergency Ward Protocol under No. 934, on 18 May 1999 and he was immediately given medical assistance. X-rays were made after which he was admitted to the Orthopedics Ward of the Health Center in Valjevo. During the examination the following was found:

Fracture of both malleoluses of the right ankle, verified by an X-ray, which shows fractures on both the internal and external malleolus bone structures. During the clinical examination painful reactions were found in the right lumbar region, as well as skin abrasions on the back. An X-ray was made of the lumbar spine and the following was found on the bone structures:

There is a fracture line on the transverse process of the first, second, third and fourth lumbar vertebrae on the right side combined with dislocation of the bone structures. Because of the pain and traces of blood found in the urine an urologist was consulted, whose opinion was that the lumbar region was concussed. An abrasion on the right side of the forehead was found during the clinical examination.

On grounds of all this I hereby give the following

 

OPINION

The injuries of the bone structures in the right ankle constitute a grave injury, as well as the injury of the lumbar spine transverse process. The other injuries, such as the concussions and abrasions are minor bodily injuries. Altogether the injuries of Miroljub Krunić are qualified as grave bodily injuries.

That is all that I have to state. The Minutes were dictated aloud, so I sign them without objection or reading.

The forensic expert was paid 200 Dinars for the expertise.

 

Concluded at 1:45 p.m.

 

 

Court Clerk                                                                                     Investigative Judge

                                                                                                         (sgd.) Dragan Obradović

 

 

        Sombor 

                   

 Djakovica

     

Šabac

On 25 May 1999 at 1:05 p.m. many civilian facilities in Šabac, mostly family houses, were damaged. In this attack 4 citizens were inflicted minor injuries, while Živorad Nenadović (1930), who had been severely injured, died soon after being admitted to the Medical Center in Šabac.

   

Radoste near Orahovac

On 26 May 1999, at 8:30 a.m., there was an air raid on the village of Radoste, Orahovac municipality, in which the area between the railway line and the river Beli Drim was targeted. Kujtim Kastrati (1968) and Beg Krasnići (1968) were killed in the attack while Šukri Kastrati (1984) and Ismet Kastrati (1988) were severely injured.

On the same day, at 5:00 p.m., the area of v. Radoste was attacked for a second time; Nikola Miljici (1983), who was looking after the cattle in the village of Bardosane, was severely injured.

      

Ralja

On 26 May 1999, at 11:10 p.m., during the NATO bombing of v. Ralja area the family house of Vladimir Pavlović from New Belgrade was hit and completely destroyed. The children Stefan Pavlović (1991) and Dajana Pavlović (1994) were killed, while Vladimir and his wife, Branislava, were severely injured. Biljana Momčilović (1970) was also killed in this attack and her mother, Ljubinka, sustained severe injuries.

                     

 

Aleksinac

On 28 May 1999, at 12:30 a.m., the area of the town of Aleksinac was attacked from the air. Fourteen missiles were fired at the wider area while 7 missiles hit the center of the town Aleksinac; one missile struck the area of Svrljig municipality. In the attack on downtown Aleksinac, at 12:40 a.m., the family houses at Nos. 23 and 25 Niška St. were totally demolished. Branislav Mitrović (1920), Dušanka Savić (1951), and Predrag Nedeljković (1962) were killed, and 5 citizens were severely injured. Fifteen other family houses as well as many cars were also damaged.

                   

   

Čamurlija

   

Brvenik near Raška

           

Kri. Br.58/99

REPORT

 

Made on 31 May 1999 by the investigative judge of the Municipal Court in Raška, following the NATO bombing of civilian buildings in the village of Brvenik

 

P r e s e n t:

 

Investigative judge:                                      Crime technician:

Srećko Topalović                                          Vojislav Petrović

 

District Public Prosecutor:                           Police inspector:

Milibor Nestorović                                        Ivan Kuzmanović

 

Recording clerk:

Nada Marenović

 

The investigation started at 7:50 a.m.

 

On 30 May 1999 in the evening hours the Police Department officers on duty informed the investigative judge that the NATO forces had bombed civilian buildings in the area of the village of Brvenik causing huge material damage.

The investigative judge arrived at the site to investigate and found that the civilian facilities in the area of Brvenik had been bombed for the eighth time. The former damage was described in the reports Nos. Kri. 20/99, Kri. 35/99, Kri. 39/99, Kri. 44/99, Kri. 48/99, Kri. 49/99, and Kri. 55/99. Civilian buildings located near the already destroyed masonry bridge on the main road Raška - Kraljevo over the river Brvenica were targeted in the latest bombing of the area of Brvenik. An irregularly shaped crater was found on the rocky slopes above the Orthodox cemetery in Brvenik. The size of this crater is 3 x 2 x 0.5 meters. A second crater was found below the Orthodox cemetery, in the garden of Ljubiša Šćekić from Raška. This crater is round, 8 meters in diameter and 4 meters deep. The blasts caused by missile explosions have completely demolished the houses and auxiliary buildings below the local cemetery, above the road that leads to the village of Gradac. The demolished houses in this area belonged to Ljubiša Šćekić from Raška, Svetomir Kovačević, Miroljub Kovačević, and Miloš Kovačević, all from Brvenik. Those buildings are completely destroyed. The local Orthodox cemetery located above these demolished houses, has also been damaged; 17 marble tombstones have been completely demolished and all the other tombstones on the cemetery are damaged, most of them to a great extent.

Two conductors of the high-voltage power lines have been cut in the length of 240 meters.

There is a round crater about 200 meters from the masonry bridge in the direction of Raška. There is another crater 8 meters wide and 3 meters deep on the right-hand side of the main road, when observing the same direction, on the slope above the main road but below the macadam road leading to the hamlet of Markovići. The blast caused by the explosion broke two wooden high-voltage posts, as well as two high-voltage power lines, the latter in the length of 300 meters each.

The investigative judge stresses that there are no military or police facilities near the bombed site nor are there such targets in the wider area of the bombed sites.

No one was killed or injured in the bombing.

Several missile fragments with no designation on them were found in the wider area of the bombed sites.

The damage caused by the bombing is huge since 4 houses have been completely destroyed, as well as several auxiliary buildings, and 17 tombstones, while the other tombstones were damaged.

The site was photographed and the photos will constitute an integral part of this report.

According to Vukoje Milivojević and Milomir Čekić, both from Brvenik, the bombing took place on 30 May 1999 at about 9:30 p.m. and three missiles were fired.

 

Concluded at 8.00 a.m.

 

Recording clerk                                                                              Investigative judge

(sgd) Nada Marenović                                                 (sgd) Srećko Topalović

 

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT IN RAŠKA

Technical Investigation Section

 

UV-62/99

 

REPORT

 

On 30 May 1999 at 9:30 p.m. NATO planes dropped three bombs on family houses and the cemetery in the village of Brvenik, municipality of Raška, near the No. 22 main road Kraljevo - Raška and the bridges on the rivers Brvenica and Ibar. Two bombs landed at the site near the family houses and cemetery, and another one at the site called Poljanik, on the slope on the side of the road.

One bomb landed in the garden of Ljubiša Šćekić and the other one on the steep rocky slope above the cemetery. The crater in Ljubiša Šćekić's garden is 8 meters wide and 3 meters deep, and the one on the rocky slope above the cemetery is the size of 3 x 2 m and it is 0.5 meters deep.

The bombs damaged three family houses, those belonging to Svetomir Kovačević and his sons, as well as the house of Ljubiša Šćekić. The houses are completely destroyed and are not fit for use. The cemetery of the villages of Brvenik and Šumnik was also damaged. Seventeen tombstones and fences around the graves were damaged.

The third bomb landed on the slope next to the main road No. 22, Kraljevo - Raška, at the site called Poljanik, near the boundary of the villages of Brvenik and Beoci, about 200 meters from the former two bombs. The crater made by the third bomb is 8 meters wide and 3 meters deep.

The blast wave damaged two wooden posts and about 300 meters of the high-voltage power lines.

 

Raška, 31 May 1999                                                                      (sgd) Vojislav Petrović

                                                                         L.S.

 

Ripanj

                   

 

 

Novi Pazar

On 31 May 1999, at 1:28 p.m., NATO warplanes bombed the residential area of Novi Pazar, No. 74 Stevana Nemanje St. In this attack an apartment building was destroyed in which 11 people were killed: Djordje Pantović (born in 1975), Miodrag Nikić (born in 1970), Dragan Simović (born in 1953), Zvezdan Jaić, Vladan Simić (born in 1969), Marko Simić (born in 1997), Golub Ratković (born in 1967), Dragomirka Biorac (born in 1961), Raco Vranić, Dejan Milošević (born in 1972), and Marko Roglić (born in 1983), while 12 other citizens of Novi Pazar were severely injured and 11 sustained minor injuries.

On 31 May 1999, at 1:28 p.m., in the bombing of Novi Pazar by NATO warplanes, in which 11 citizens were killed and more than 20 were severely or slightly injured, 38 flats at No. 74 Stevana Nemanje St. were destroyed or damaged, as well as 20 flats at No. 73 Stevana Nemanje St. The houses of Harun Kačapor, Bahrija Kačapor and Arsenije Pavlović, as well as the buildings of the elementary school "Bratstvo", Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, and of the firm Jedinstvo were damaged. Eleven cars and one truck parked on this street were destroyed or damaged. The houses of Mijo Tiosavljević, Stevan Majdak, Dragomirka Karanović, Radomir Djurković, Rade Filipović, Miodrag Šebeković, Raka Tiosavljević, Žikica Veljović, Dragoslav Mijailović and Slavko Slović, which are all on M. Jovanovića St., were destroyed. There are 37 family houses on the Relje Krilatice St. and most of them are not fit for use. There are 5 damaged houses on Gojka Bačanina St. and they are no longer fit for living. Many family houses and the coach station building on Njegoševa St. were damaged. 

                          

                   

   

 

Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia

Secretariat of the Interior Novi Pazar

1 June 1999

Novi Pazar

 

OFFICIAL MEMO

 

Made by operational officer Goran Simonović after identification of bodies and recording of the injured in the NATO air strike on 31 May 1999

On 31 May 1999 NATO warplanes bombed the residential building R74 located on Stevana Nemanje Street in Novi Pazar. Several persons were killed and injured in this attack. A team of the Secretariat of the Interior in Novi Pazar including Goran Simonović, homicide inspector, and Hanefija Hazirović, forensic technician, came to the site, in the Medical Center. The investigation was conducted under the supervision of Ibrahim Delimedjac, investigative judge of the District Court in Novi Pazar, and Mila Vujanac, president of the District Court in Novi Pazar. The above mentioned team of the Secretariat of the Interior also attended the identification of bodies and recording of the injured.

The following has been established on the site:

There were two male bodies on the premises of the Medical Center (bathroom). Through identification by members of the family in the presence of the investigative judge it was established that the deceased were \or|e Pantović, father's name Srboljub, born in 1975, from the village of Šaronje, municipality of Novi Pazar, and Golub Ratković, father's name Miloica, born in 1967, from the village of Baletiće, Municipality of Novi Pazar. Izet Tutić, M.D., examined these bodies externally and established the death.

In the surgical ward there were three bodies of adult men and one body of a baby. Through identification by close family in the presence of the investigative judge, the identity of the deceased has been established as follows:

­ Dragan Simović, father's name Nikola, born in 1953, from Novi Pazar;

­ Miodrag Nikić, father's name Mirko, born in 1970, from the village of Kovačevo, Municipality of Novi Pazar;

­ Zvezdan Jajić, born in 1962, from the village of Skukovo, Municipality of Novi Pazar.

In a separate room lay the body of Marko Simić, father's name Vladan, born in 1997, from Novi Pazar. Izet Tutić, M.D., examined the body externally in the presence of the investigative judge of the District Court.

In the mortuary of the Medical Center there was a male body (whole) and several body parts. Miroslav Milošević, M.D., examined the body parts and established that actually four bodies have been brought in parts to the Medical Center. The family immediately identified Vladan Simić, father's name Momčilo, born in 1969, from Novi Pazar.

On other bodies every detail was closely scrutinized and after identification by the family their identity was established as follows:

­ Dragomirka Biorac, father's name Milomir, born in 1960, from the village of Kozarevo, municipality of Novi Pazar;

­ Marko Roglić, father's name Vukomir, born in 1983, from Novi Pazar;

­ Radun Vranić, father's name Jovan, born in 1952, from Novi Pazar.

On 1 June 1999 another body was recovered from the ruins and brought to the mortuary. The family identified Dejan Milošević, father's name Milutin, born in 1973, from the village of Šaronje, municipality of Novi Pazar. External examination of the body was performed by Miroslav Milošević, M.D.

By 1 June 1999 a total of 11 bodies were pulled out from the ruins of the building on Stevana Nemanje Street.

Through the records at the Otorhinolaryngology Ward it was established that the following persons were injured by the bombing:

­ Ljubomir Sretenović, father's name Mihajlo, born in 1946, from Novi Pazar;

­ Saša Kolundžić, father's name Budimir, born in 1974, from Novi Pazar;

­ Ivanka Balšić, father's name Radomir, born in 1945, from Novi Pazar;

­ Tiovilka Luković, father's name Filip, born in 1954, from Novi Pazar;

­ Mićo Janković, father's name Sreten, born in 1953 in the village of Šavci, municipality of Novi Pazar;

­ Novka Pajović, father's name Maksim, born in 1926, from Novi Pazar.

Due to severity of their injuries, the following persons have been urgently transported to Belgrade: Almir Etemović, aged 22, from Novi Pazar, and Bojana Aleksić, aged 30, from Novi Pazar.

The listed persons, with the exception of those transferred for further treatment to Belgrade, are still hospitalized in the Medical Center in Novi Pazar.

In addition, the following persons were injured in the NATO bombing and hospitalized in the Surgical Ward, according to their records:

­ Filip Pajović, father's name Isakije, born in 1924, from Novi Pazar;

­ Ismet Turković, father's name Bećo, born in 1949, from Novi Pazar;

­ Mejra Dupljak, father's name Hafiz, born in 1938, from Novi Pazar;

­ Desanka Jeumović, father's name Dimitrije, born in 1927, from Novi Pazar.

It is worth noting that many persons injured in the NATO bombing sought medical help both at the ORL and Surgical Wards. However, since they sustained minor injuries, they were advised to continue their treatment at home after being given adequate medical help. The exact number of these persons will be determined subsequently.

This Memo is submitted for information and further procedure.

 

 

                                                                                                         Authorized officer

                                                                                                         Captain

                                                                                                         (sgd) Goran Simonović

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Novi Sad ­ Shanghai Neighborhood

On 8 June 1999 at 12:15 a.m., during the air strike on Novi Sad by NATO warplanes, one missile struck Shanghai neighborhood, near house Nos. 60 and 58. Milan Bajić (1962), who was in front of his house, was killed in this attack, while the following were severely injured: Halid Dalip (11 years old), Sulejman Dalip (1954) and Bajram Dalip (1994), while Mara Radišić (1952), Pavle Uri (1932), Tatjana Dalip, Slobodan Vujčić (1972), Svetozar Marijanović (1958), Katica Marjanović (1959) and Zoran Bubanja (1968) sustained minor injuries.