engleski

Forensic analysis of World War II mass graves in Croatia: three examples od our outcomes

Humanitarian, legal and historical purposes have been stated as main purposes of forensic excavation and examination of mass graves. The same pertains to the mass graves allegedly dating from World War ll or postwar period. However, the time span between the mass grave formation and actual forensic analysis substantially changes the level of information that results from the analysis. On the other hand, if the input data are of high quality, results can be very specific. Herein we present the approach and outcomes in three deferent mass graves allegedly dating from World War ll or immediate post-war period. Different input data, state of remains and also, diferent interest of the state attorney has caused a wide spectrum of results after the analyses of the graves. The analysis of the Kustosija mass grave site resulted in establishing the number of individuals, determination of sex and rough estimation of the age of the individuals. The evidences of gunshot trauma were obvious on couple of skull fragments. The identity of individuals remained unknown. The analysis of Brotnja mass grave has resulted in determination of number of the individuals, determination of sex, estimation of the age and documentation of various forms of perimortem trauma. As well, DNA analysis has established that a number of the individuals in this mass grave were relatives. This finding was in accordance with police presumption that this mass grave contained the remains of one family that lived in one village and was killed after the end of the World War Il. No individual identity was established due to the lack of living relatives. The analysis of the third grave site in Karlovac County has resulted in establishing individual identity of seven victims. In this case, the police have provided the list of the assumed victims and a number of living relatives have provided the specimen for the DNA analysis. These three examples of mass grave excavation and examination demonstrate the correlation of input information and final results of forensic analysis. Also, recOvery and forensic analysis of the graves haS resulted in new historical information and one criminal prosecution against the person Suspected for being involved in executions. Furthermore, closing of files for the seven missing persons and one whole family of 24 members after more than 65 years of searching has been a great achievement.

mass grave, identification, world war II

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