EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
July 2000
The executive summary
on the activities of the European Union Forensic Expert Team in Kosovo, the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia, in accordance with the decision (98/736/CFSP) adopted on 22
December 1998 by the Council of the European Union, introduces general information on the
main activities of the EU Forensic Expert Team enacted between 1 January 1999 and 30 June
2000.
In its work, the Team
has followed internationally recognised standards and recommendations set forth for
medicolegal investigations.
This summary will be
complemented by 31 July 2000 with a statement of accounts, certified by the University of
Helsinki, detailing the amount and nature of expenditures entered into concerning funds
received in accordance with the Agreement ratified between the Commission of the European
Union and the University of Helsinki. These documents together form the Final Report of
the Team.
The Team gratefully acknowledges
diplomatic assistance and support of the Presidency of the EU (Austria, Germany, Finland
and Portugal), the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Embassy in
Belgrade. In negotiations concerning related legal issues with Yugoslav authorities, the
Team was advised by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Special thanks are also extended
to numerous representatives of the EU Kosovo Diplomatic Observer Mission (EU - KDOM) and
of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Kosovo Verification Mission
(OSCE - KVM). The Team is grateful for the valuable logistic support of the Finnish KFOR
Battalion in Lipljan.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FORENSIC EXPERT TEAM
The
European Union Forensic Expert Team (EU-FET) in Kosovo was established in response to
requests from the international community, including the EU and non-governmental human
rights organisations, to provide forensic expertise to investigate the sites of alleged
grave violations against civilians in the territory of Kosovo, the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia (FRY). The Team began its work in October 1998, with these activities funded to
the end of December 1998 by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs with a total of FIM 1
500 000. From 1 January 1999 onwards, the funds were granted by the Council of the
European Union. Accordingly, this summary covers the period funded by the EU.[1]
However, where necessary, activities relating to the earlier phase are explained briefly.
STRUCTURE
OF THE TEAM
The Forensic Team included a
team leader, forensic pathologists, forensic odontologists, an anthropologist, forensic
investigators (ballistics, documentation, photography, surveying and videotaping), x-ray
technicians, autopsy technicians, an explosives expert, a liaison officer and a secretary.
In addition, a project secretary handled the administrative issues at the Department of
Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, and ad hoc personnel contributed to fact-finding issues, when
certain specific expertise was needed to assist the Team’s activities. However, the
number of experts representing various disciplines has always been adjusted to meet the
requirements of specific tasks and prevailing political situations in the areas of
operation. Specialised analytical services have been provided by laboratories possessing
the advanced equipment needed for the second stage of analysis.
FUNCTIONING
OF THE TEAM
In November 1998, when the Team began the
investigations in Kosovo, FRY, six sites were chosen and agreed upon with representatives
of the FRY both in Belgrade and Pristina. After weeks of negotiation in Pristina, the
District Court of Pristina finally issued a Court Order to the Team for investigations at
selected sites in Glodjane, Gornje Obrinje, Golubovac, Klecka, Orahovac and Volujak. In
October 1998, representatives of the Team had visited five of these sites, excluding
Klecka. Preliminary scene investigations were conducted at Gornje Obrinje, Orahovac and
Volujak. Moreover, human remains recovered by Yugoslav authorities from Klecka and Volujak
were documented and investigated by the Team. Preliminary arrangements for further
investigations, including collection and analysis of both published and unpublished
information, at other sites were made.
In early December 1998, after
duly informing the District Court of Pristina of the planned exhumation on 10 December
1998, the temporary grave site at Gornje Obrinje was visited, the site surveyed for scene
investigation and individual graves marked. However, when on 10 December 1998, the Team
was to begin investigations at the site, it was detained by armed Yugoslav forces and
prevented from proceeding to Gornje Obrinje. The Team then returned to Finland and pursued
analysis of the material and documentation collected from Klecka and Volujak at the
facilities of the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki. While these
analyses were in progress, other developments materialised, which subsequently affected
the Team’s working schedule.
In
response to urgent requests made by the OSCE - KVM and the Ministry of Justice of the FRY
after the discovery of some 40 - 45 bodies of ethnic Albanians in the vicinity of and at
the village of Racak on 16 January 1999, it was agreed[2] that the EU Forensic Expert
Team would immediately return to the FRY to perform autopsies on the Racak victims and to
report its findings to the EU as a matter of highest priority. It was also agreed that
these investigations would be covered by the Joint Action of 22 December 1998. Within a
week, the Team travelled to Pristina both to perform and monitor autopsies and to verify
autopsies already performed or in progress by Yugoslav forensic experts, from the
Institutes of Forensic Medicine of Universities in FRY, at the Institute of Forensic
Medicine, University of Pristina. These autopsies were also monitored by two Belorussian
experts.
On
17 March 1999, the Team submitted its report on the medicolegal investigations of victims
found at Racak, consisting of 40 autopsy protocols, videotapes, photographs, x-rays,
toxicological analyses and DNA profiles, to the Presidency of the EU (Germany).[3]
In addition, a press conference was arranged in Pristina. Representatives of the Team left
Kosovo only six days before the start of the NATO air strikes.
After the
completion of the report on victims from Racak, the Team planned to immediately return to
Kosovo to continue the scheduled scene investigations at Glodjane, Golubovac, Gornje
Obrinje and Orahovac, which had been postponed due to the urgency of the Racak
investigations. However, the withdrawal of the OSCE - KVM, who provided the necessary
logistics for the Team, and the decision to initiate NATO air strikes prevented the return
of the Team to the area. During this time, the Team continued preparing the reports on
investigations of Klecka and Volujak. These reports were submitted to the EU Presidency
(Finland), the Ambassador of the FRY in Finland and the ICTY in December 1999. The Team
also continued analysis of the materials gathered in Orahovac. Furthermore, on the basis
of discussions in Helsinki on 15 February 1999 between representatives of the ICTY and the
Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in understanding with the Presidency of the EU
(Germany), the Team conducted further analyses on the materials from Racak. Accordingly,
on 24 June 1999, the first draft of the preliminary analysis was presented to the ICTY in
the Hague.
An essential
part of any comparable mission would be a thorough scene investigation. Due to the weather
conditions and the further escalation of violence, this was not possible in January and
February 1999. However, in November 1999, the Team was able to continue its work at Racak
and to conduct scene investigations at the gully in the vicinity of the village where,
according to the OSCE, 23 bodies had been found on 16 January 1999. Later, in March 2000,
after discussions between the representatives of the ICTY, the Finnish Ministry for
Foreign Affairs and the Team, a second scene investigation at Racak was conducted on
selected village sites. All forensic materials and evidence recovered during these two
missions were taken to Finland for further analysis. These activities are briefly
described elsewhere (see page 19). Due to the nature of these investigations and the
confidentiality of results, a separate, supplementary report including ballistics analysis
has been submitted to the ICTY, completing the Team’s work in Kosovo, FRY.
SUMMARY OF WORK CONDUCTED AT SITES
The status of the work and investigations conducted by the EU-FET on different sites (for map, see below) is briefly summarised as follows:
Glodjane
In total,
39 victims were reported to have been found on 8 - 16 September 1998 in an artificial
canal area near Glodjane, 7 km east of Decane, by Yugoslav authorities. The autopsies were
conducted in Djakovica by Yugoslav experts from the Institute of Forensic Medicine,
University of Belgrade, and three estimates for the time of death were given: May –
June, June – July and mid-August 1998. The bodies, both identified and those who
remained unidentified, were buried in Djakovica, Kosovo. Altogether, 12 victims were
identified; among these were seven Serbs, four ethnic Albanians and one Roma. The Team was
shown the original post-mortem (PM) documentation at the Institute of Forensic Medicine,
University of Belgrade, and in October 1998, representatives of the Team visited the site.
Later, the Team received the finalised autopsy protocols and was asked to assist in the
identification process. However, during the NATO air operations, new alleged atrocities
were reported in Djakovica. Therefore, it became unlikely that the grave sites could be
identified with certainty. Thus, the identification process of the 27 victims reached a
standstill.
Golubovac
is located in the Drenica region, 5 km south of Donja Obrinja. The region has historically
been the centre of ethnic Albanian nationalism, and at the beginning of August 1998, it
constituted the largest area under the control of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).
Allegedly, on 26 September 1998, the villagers, who had fled from Golubovac, were given
guarantees of safe return. However, of those who did return, a group of 25 men was
gathered and 14 selected for execution. One managed to escape and investigators of the
ICTY have interviewed this sole survivor. The 13 victims of the incident at Golubovac have
been reported to be buried in two separate locations, which were visited by
representatives of the Team in October 1998. However, the final death toll of late
September at the village may exceed 20. Unfortunately, due to later developments, no
further preparations, apart from photographing and videotaping the grave sites and the
alleged execution site, could be made.
Gornje Obrinje
On
26 September 1998, 22 members of a Kosovo Albanian family were killed and buried in a
temporary graveyard close to the village of Gornje Obrinje, 6 km west of Glogovac. Most of
them were found at a gully near a makeshift tent. The incident raised much publicity, and
in the original working schedule, the site was among the highest priorities of the Team.
Later, a 23rd member of the family perished. The victims, including children,
women, and some elderly and disabled persons, were all alleged to be civilians. In October
1998, the site, which is known to be heavily mined, was visited by representatives of the
Team, and negotiations were initiated with the legal representative of the family on the
eventual exhumation and subsequent autopsies of the victims, intended to confirm the
probable manner and cause of death.
On 9 December
1998, after the District Court of Pristina had issued a court order for exhumation,
preparations at the site were underway. The safety issues related to the work at the site
were discussed with representatives of the KLA at their local headquarters. The local KLA
commander had given the Team a guarantee of safe and unhindered access to the site. On the
following day, due to unexpected obstruction by Yugoslav forces, the Team had to halt its
convoy. After hours of negotiation on the road leading to Gornje Obrinje, to prevent the
tense situation from escalating further towards a possible armed conflict, the Team
decided to return to its headquarters and to postpone the exhumation. The main issues of
the tense discussions on the road included the presence and safety of the Investigating
Judge, Danica Marinkovic, of the District Court of Pristina, Professor Sasa Dobricanin and
Dr. Suzana Matejic of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Pristina. The
validity of the issued Court Order was also questioned by Yugoslav authorities. The Team
was accompanied by diplomatic representatives of the Presidency of the EU (Austria), the
Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Embassy in Belgrade. Logistic support
was provided by the EU – KDOM. However, later that same afternoon, a meeting was
arranged in Pristina by the Serbian Minister of Justice, Dragoljub Jankovic. During these
discussions, a suggestion was put forward by Minister Jankovic to concentrate on
investigations at sites other than Gornje Obrinje. It is generally known that Gornje
Obrinje has a very high symbolic value for the Albanians in Kosovo. Soon after the
obstruction, an additional order was issued by the University Hospital of Pristina,
restricting the Team’s possibilities of conducting autopsies independently. Even
though, for several reasons, it was not possible to return to the site to continue the
work, the Team feels that this site should be investigated by representatives of the
international community.
Klecka
The
small village of Klecka in south-central Kosovo had been used as the main training centre
of the KLA. In late August 1998, the Yugoslav forces recaptured the stronghold, finding a
lime-kiln and cremated human remains. At that time, two ethnic Albanians were arrested.
While in police custody, one of them was questioned in the presence of a TV camera team
and foreign journalists. The Yugoslav authorities stated the original death toll at
approximately 100 individuals, later reducing that figure to 22, allegedly including women
and children.
The human
remains, which were recovered by Yugoslav authorities and subsequently investigated by
local experts at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Pristina, were
presented to the Team in October 1998, at which time they were also photographed. The
related documentation, submitted to the District Court of Pristina, was also presented.
This documentation alleged that the investigated material included cremated human remains
of two men, one woman and two children, aged 8 - 12 years. The medicolegal investigations
conducted thereafter by the Team included forensic analysis, osteological and
anthropological analysis and measurements, x-rays and DNA analysis. In December 1999, the
report (502 pages in length) summarising these findings was submitted to the Presidency of
the EU (Finland) and the Ambassador of the FRY in Finland, to be forwarded to
corresponding Yugoslav authorities.
In brief,
the report states that the remains consisted of 89 major identifiable bones or bone
fragments and a group of 108 small burnt bone fragments. DNA was isolated from bones and
bone fragments with established laboratory methodologies. Using a DNA replication
methodology (Polymerase Chain Reaction , PCR), nine autosomal microsatellite regions
(D3S1358, vWa, FGA,
TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820) were amplified. In addition, gender
identification was performed by replication of the amelogenic DNA region.
On the
basis of DNA analysis, the examined bone samples were determined to belong to three male
individuals. Furthermore, there were 14 burnt fragments of adult human bone, which could
not be linked to these three individuals. Of the 108 small fragments, 43 were successfully
typed. According to forensic and anthropological investigations, all remaining unspecified
bone samples were consistent with originating from the three bodies. The results do not
indicate the presence of more than the three bodies specified.
Of the
three bodies, one was established by forensic dental examination to be that of a
middle-aged individual. The minimum age of another body, based on anthropological
examination, was determined to be 45 years. All examined bones and bone fragments were
confirmed to originate from adult skeletons.
The bone
samples of one individual indicated wounds apparently resulting from two or three gunshots
to the regions of the lumbar vertebrae and sacrum. Further, bone samples from the bodies
indicated breakage of the spinous processes, cracking along the margins of the bones,
fracture of the ribs and comminution of the skull. However, the vitality of these wounds
could not be assessed. Should these have occurred over the lifetime, gunshot wounds are
consistent with being the cause of death. In the absence of sufficient previous knowledge
and a conclusive cause of death, categorisation of manner of death, as recommended by the
World Health Organisation (WHO), cannot be determined. On the basis of the findings, the
applicable alternatives include criminal homicide, war or inconclusive. Neither could
accidental death be excluded.
Nor could
time elapsed since death be accurately estimated on the basis of the Team’s
investigations. The speed of soft tissue loss and other post-mortem changes are dependent
upon the temperature and humidity under which the body is situated as well as acidity,
microbe activity, weather conditions, variations in all of these and other external
factors. The examined bodies had presumably been deceased at least some months since soft
tissue had, for the most part, disappeared. On the other hand, the remaining soft tissue
had retained its density, and thus, time elapsed since death was at most a matter of
years.
Legal
proceedings against the two Albanians were started in early April 2000 at the District
Court of Nis, where the jurisdiction of the District Court of Pristina had been
transferred. The Team submitted one copy of the documentation to the Finnish Embassy in
Belgrade in March 2000 and representatives of the office of the UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights (UNHCHR) and the defence lawyers of the accused were duly informed. The Court
denied the appeal of the defence to evaluate the Team’s report on its findings as
part of legal proceedings. Representatives of the UNHCHR are monitoring the trial.
Orahovac
Clashes
between Serb forces and the KLA on 17 – 22 July 1998 in Orahovac, 60 km south-west of
Pristina, resulted in an unknown number of fatalities. Available information on the
incidents from different sources varies, and accordingly, the total death toll ranges
between 40 – 400. Allegedly, the bodies had been buried both in the garbage dump near
the town and in Prizren, south of Orahovac. Forensic investigations of the former were
further complicated due to considerable commingling of human and animal skeletal remains,
and the presence of metal objects, such as cans, giving off signals during mine detection.
Representatives of the Team visited the garbage site several times and documented the name
plates, signs, changes in vegetation, partly visible coffins and new graves. The Team also
drafted its preliminary working plan of the site. During this process, further related
material and information were acquired from other sources.
Racak
On 16 January
1999, the bodies of 40-45 victims were found at Racak, Kosovo, FRY. They were documented
at the sites where found by representatives of the OSCE, and later, on 18 January 1999,
delivered to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Pristina, by Yugoslav
authorities. During these developments, at the request of the OSCE, the EU agreed to add
to the mandate of the EU Forensic Expert Team the medicolegal investigation of these
victims. The autopsies were also locally authorised by the District Court of Pristina,
Kosovo. The Team performed, monitored and verified the autopsies of 40 victims.
Thereafter, the second-stage analysis of the materials gathered during the autopsies was
continued in Finland.
On 17 March
1999, the copies of the Racak report (1428 pages), consisting solely of the autopsy
protocols and related materials, were submitted to the EU (two copies), the District Court
of Pristina (one copy) and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Pristina (one
copy). The Presidency of the EU (Germany) later decided to submit one copy of the autopsy
protocols to the ICTY. Thereafter, the Team continued to work on reports relating to other
agreed-upon investigations.
However,
different technical issues relating to the incident at Racak remained open. Therefore, in
November 1999, when it became possible, an additional scene investigation was conducted at
the gully close to the village of Racak, where altogether 23 victims according to the OSCE
were found. Moreover, in March 2000, further scene investigations were performed at
selected sites at the village. The findings and materials resulting from these
investigations have been incorporated in a supplementary report and, together with the
autopsy protocols, complete the forensic work of the Team at Racak.
On 21 June 2000, three copies of
the supplementary report (194 pages) on the findings of the two scene investigations,
together with full documentation and analysis of any forensic evidence recovered at the
sites, were submitted to the ICTY. In several schematic presentations, terrain profiles,
models and photographs, the Team has adopted the location and position of each victim, as
verified and photographed on 16 January 1999 by representatives of the OSCE, using the
sternum as a reference point.
The
forensic materials and evidence during scene investigations were recovered and documented
by the members of the Team with the effective logistic assistance of the Finnish KFOR
Battalion in Lipljan, Kosovo. In November 1999, metal detectors, which were adjusted to
reach a depth of 30 cm, were employed and the total area of 170 m x 30-60 m was searched
for metal objects. Several bullets and bullet fragments were found at a depth of 0 –
15 cm. The location of the victims, as verified by the OSCE on 16 January 1999, and the
sites of recovery of bullets and bullet fragments coincide. Bullets were not found
elsewhere in the gully or its vicinity. Moreover, cartridge cases were recovered on the
surface of the ground, occasionally under leaves and silt. The majority of cartridge
cases, recovered by the Team, were found under the bushes lining the gully. In some cases,
other material of human origin was found in association with bullets. These remains were
subjected to DNA extraction. Results did not contradict the assumption that the specific
sample originated from one of the victims recovered on 16 January 1999.
The chain of
custody of all materials from the time of detection of evidence was restricted to members
of the Team. All materials were taken to the Department of Forensic Medicine, University
of Helsinki, and analysed there and at the Crime Laboratory, National Bureau of
Investigation, Finland.
To assist in testing and verifying possible scenarios at the sites, the Team also took aerial photographs, covering the gully and the village, in March 2000 with the assistance of KFOR. Furthermore, surveying of the terrain (tacheometry) of the gully was performed by GEODIMETER 400™, designed for measurements of distances, elevations and directions. A data base including some 850 points was subsequently created, covering an area of 170 m x 30-60 m. Thereafter, the TERRA computer programme was used to produce presentations, figures and terrain models of selected sites. These products can be utilised, for instance, in defining possible viewing sectors at selected heights at any given point in the gully (length 65 m, width 3.5-5 m, depth 1-2 m) and elsewhere. The difference in elevation along the entire length of the gully, where 22 bodies were verified by the OSCE, is 11 m and the surrounding vegetation (grass and mostly thorny bushes) reaches a height of 1.5 m, further limiting the viewing sectors.
Ballistics reports were also
included in the supplementary report submitted to the ICTY. These specifically addressed
the recovered cartridge cases, bullets and bullet fragments, giving details of cartridge
type, calibre, batch, manufacturer and any identifiable landmarks, in addition to analysis
of elements. These investigations were performed at the Crime Laboratory, National Bureau
of Investigation, Finland, which is a testing laboratory T79, accredited by the Centre for
Metrology and Accreditation, fulfilling requirements of the standards of SFS - EN 45001
and ISO / IEC Guide 25. The results achieved on the basis of the recovered materials make
it possible to deduce the number of weapons used for firing. Unfortunately, due to the
absence of weapons, it was not possible to match the bullets and cartridge cases.
In January 1999, during the
medicolegal investigations in Pristina, the Team’s access to any foreign objects
discovered and removed from the bodies, was surprisingly restricted. The members of the
Team were only allowed to photograph the recovered foreign objects, while the chain of
custody over the recovered materials was limited to police investigators from the Office
of the Investigating Judge, Danica Marinkovic, of the District Court of Pristina.
Therefore, comparisons of any recognisable landmarks must rely on photographs taken during
the autopsies, and the bullets and other materials recovered during the Team’s
investigations in November 1999 and March 2000.
Volujak
The
bauxite mining area, Volujak, is located on the Grebnicka Mountain, 5 km south of Klina,
at an altitude of 700 m. The site was discovered by Serb authorities on 3 October 1998,
and the investigations were directed by the Vice President of the District Court of Pec,
Veselin Cadenovic. Allegedly, the site was used by the KLA to hold prisoners in a near-by
vertical cave. Human remains were recovered at the site and, after investigations
performed by Yugoslav experts, the number of victims was estimated at 6, although only 2
skulls were reported to have been found. The assumed time of death on the basis of these
investigations was 3-4 months prior to the discovery.
The human
remains (see page 12) were shown to representatives of the Team in October 1998 and the
Team was asked to conduct medicolegal investigations including forensic analysis,
osteological and anthropological analysis and measurements, x-rays and DNA analysis. In
December 1999, the report (411 pages) summarising these findings was submitted to the
Presidency of the EU (Finland) and the Ambassador of the FRY in Finland, to be forwarded
to corresponding Yugoslav authorities.
Samples,
primarily from the skull and long bones, were excised for DNA analysis and DNA was
isolated with established methodologies. Using the PCR, nine autosomal microsatellite
regions were amplified. These included D3S1358, vWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818,
D13S317 and D7S820. Gender identification was performed by replication of the amelogenic
DNA region. For samples with unsuccessful extraction or replication, DNA isolation and
replication were repeated at least twice. No reliable results were obtained for nine
samples. On the basis of DNA analysis, the examined bone samples were determined to belong
to five male individuals. No factors were revealed to exclude the possibility of all
unspecified bones originating from the same male cadavers. Thus, the number of examined
bodies is consistent with being five.
Gender was
determined by examining the shape of the skull and hip bones as well as their
gender-specific characteristics. Anthropological measurements were made by using the
Pearson methodology with the Stewart modification. Determination of age from the pubic
symphysis was accomplished by both the Suchey-Brooks and the Todd methodologies, using
reference photographs and plaster reference models (Suchey-Brooks). To supplement these
determinations, the developmental stage of the costal cartilage was also examined. For
stature estimation, the Sjovold formula was employed. Stature was established using long
bones of the extremities. Results were compared to the Trotter and Glesser formulae and
tables.
Based upon
anthropological and dental examinations of the specified bodies, one was established to be
at least 45 and two at least 50 years of age. Age estimation of the two remaining cadavers
could not be completed. However, all bone samples were identified as those of human
adults.
In four
bodies, a finding consistent with a gunshot wound was identified, and in one body, a
finding suggestive of a gunshot wound was found. A bullet from an assault rifle was
detected within the cerebral matter of one body. Bone fractures and skull comminution were
present in all bodies. The vitality of these findings could not be assessed. If they were
accumulated over the lifetime, cause of death is consistent with being gunshot wounds.
Otherwise, cause of death cannot be established on the basis of bone samples. In the
absence of sufficient previous knowledge and a conclusive cause of death, categorisation
of manner of death, as recommended by the WHO, cannot be determined. On the basis of
findings, the applicable alternatives include criminal homicide, war or inconclusive. In
addition, accidental death could not be excluded.
The bones
of three bodies indicated an accumulation of particulate x-ray-positive material which,
when examined by electron microscopy and x-ray analysis, was shown to be of soil origin.
Pathological changes included signs of wear and, in one case, osteophytes and
hyperosteogenesis. Special identifying features of three bodies may possibly be used in
identification, providing that reliable ante-mortem data is available.
No
accurate estimate could be given of time elapsed since death, with limitations outlined on
page 14 (Klecka).
[1] EU funding was based on the Joint Action (98/736/CFSP), adopted on 22 December 1998 by the Council of the European Union concerning a forensic expert mission in the FRY, and the Agreement ratified between the Commission of the European Communities and the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, with special reference to Article 3, paragraph 1, subparagraph c.
[2] The OSCE turned to the European Union for assistance and the Union subsequently decided that the EU Forensic Expert Team should investigate the incident. Forty of the bodies discovered at Racak wee removed by Yugoslav authorities from the village to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University in Pristina.
[3] Copies of the report were also submitted to the Investigating Judge, Danica Marinkovic, of the District Court of Pristina, in accordance with the understanding on the Yugoslav Law on Criminal Procedure, and to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Pristina.