Satanic Servs In Action In Croatia
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, UNPA Zone East (Eastern Slavonia,
Baranja and Western Srijem).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since July 1991 until August 28, 1993, illegal
Serbian military formations and civilian
authorities deported approximately 125,000 non-Serbs from the territory of
the Republic of Croatia, currently UNPA Zone East.
Since the deployment of the UNPROFOR in this region in 1992, illegal
Serbian military and civilian authorities have forcibly
displaced approximately 5000 and killed approximately 700 non-Serb
individuals.
PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian military and civilian authorities in UNPA
Zone East.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, city of Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Vukovar forcibly
displaced the following Croatians: Nevenka
Jasinski (born 1963), Zoran Jasinski (born 1981), Sandra Jasinski (born
1982) and Goran Jasinski (born 1987). The displaced
persons were escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint by representatives of the
ICRC.
PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the city of Vukovar.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Dalj (approximately 17 km
north of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of
Dalj forcibly displaced Luja Bajakic-Janjic (Croat,
born 1928). She was escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by
representatives of the ICRC.
PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Dalj.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Trpinja (approximately 11
km northwest of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Trpinja forcibly
displaced Janja Ivancevic (Croat, born 1914).
She was escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by representatives
of the ICRC.
PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Trpinja.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Department.
005 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Berak (approximately 13 km
south of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Berak forcibly
displaced Danka Ivkovic (Croat, born 1921). She was escorted to the
UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by representatives of the ICRC.
PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Berak.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons
From Sector East". Document currently kept in the archives of the
Department.
006 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Nijemci (approximately 26
km south of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Nijemci forcibly
displaced Liza Bozanovic (Croat, born 1912).
She was escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by representatives
of the ICRC.
PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Nijemci.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Department.
007 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 26, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
population (ethnic cleansing).
TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Slakovci (approximately 17
km southeast of Vinkovci).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Representatives of the illegal "Red Cross" from
the village of Mirkovci forcibly displaced Marija Jagric (Croat, age 70)
and escorted her to the Croatian-Serbian border between the villages of
Jamena (Serbia) and Strosinci (Croatia) where the displaced woman was
received by members of the Croatian Red Cross and Ante Kui}, a member of
the UNPROFOR commission for operations in UNPA Zone East.
PERPETRATORS: Representatives of the illegal "Red Cross" from the village
of Mirkovci.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
1993, page 4, titled "Across a Mine Field to Freedom". Document currently
kept in the archives of the Department.
II WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - KOVACIC NEAR KNIN - June 28, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
terror, attack on civilian properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 28, 1992, village of Kovacic near Knin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the irregular militia drove in
Land-Rovers in front of the house of an eye-witness and opened fire from
the automatic guns on the house. After the shooting they threw tear-gas in
the house. Although the region is under UNPROFOR protection, the Croatian
civilians are being daily maltreated and oppressed. The members of the
UNPROFOR forces often smuggle scarce items from the unoccupied parts of
Croatia, and resell those items to certain Serb black-marketeers.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the irregular militia in the Knin county.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA - September 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991, Siroka Kula (14 kilometres northeast
of Gospic).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA entered the village of Siroka
Kula, arrested two Croatian civilians (A. O. and A. O.) and took them in an
unknown direction. The fate of the arrested civilians is yet unknown.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA - May 16/17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 16/17, 1991, village of Siroka Kula (14 kilometres
northeast of Gospi}).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs and members of an irregular militia
force ("Martic's unit"), took the following Croatian civilians in an
unknown direction: J. N., A. N., P. N., I. N., and K. N. After several days
I. N. returned home to fetch some clothes, after which he was obliged to
return to the prison. On this occasion he said that the Serbs killed with
knife Kata
Niksic. The members of the YPA took away the arms which belonged to the
Civilian Defense Service. Braco Zagorac was with them. The armed Serbs and
members of Martic's unit forbid the Croatian villagers of Siroka Kula to
buy food supplies in the local store.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs and members of the irregular militia ("Martic's
unit") from the village of Siroka Kula.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA NEAR GOSPIC - May 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
terror, killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 1991, the village of Siroka Kula (14 kilometres
northeast of Gospic).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serb villagers of Siroka Kula put up
barricades on the village roads. They told the Croatian villagers of Siroka
Kula to leave the village. The main initiator of intimidation and terror
against Croatian civilians was Spaso Djukic (a Serb). At the entrance to
the village, near the barricade, armed Serb villagers of Siroka Kula killed
four young Croatians. Iso Potkonjak (a Serb) was among the perpetrators.
The armed Serbs, along with the irregular militia (Martic's unit),
occupied Novi Licki Osik, and almost all significant objects in the town
(the railroad, the railway station, the police station, the local plant...
).
PERPETRATORS: Spaso Djukic, Iso Potkonjak, armed Serb villagers of Siroka
Kula and Novi Licki Osik, members of the irregular police ("Martic's unit).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
005 CROATIA - SKABRNJA NEAR ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, 7:40 a.m., village of Skabrnja (west
of Benkovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Heavy artillery and infantry attack by the YPA,
and armed Serb civilians from nearby villages was launched at the Croatian
villagers of Skabrnja. Some villagers recognized a Serb nicknamed "Ivanez"
among the perpetrators. The attackers destroyed Croatian residential and
farm buildings.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA and armed Serbs from nearby villages.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
006 CROATIA - SKABRNJA NEAR ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, village of Skabrnja (west of
Benkovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA and armed Serbs from
neighbouring villages encircled and attacked the village of Skabrnja. 29
YPA armoured vehicles (tanks and transporters) participated in the attack.
During the attack there were 50 civilians in the village. After entering
the village, the members of the YPA and armed Serbs took civilians from
their cellars. An eye-witness saw the Serbs arrest three elderly men, and
one elderly woman. All of the killed people were Croatian civilians. The
surviving civilians were taken to the Benkovac YPA barracks in military
vehicles. The eye-witness recognized Zoran Draca (a Serb) among the
perpetrators. Draca was dressed in YPA uniform.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA, armed Serbs from the surrounding villages
and Zoran Draca.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
007 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18/19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18/19, 1991, Vukovar (basement of the
administrative building of the "Komerc" company).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Five or six thousand civilians and wounded found
shelter from constant shelling in the basement of the "Komerc" company
building. In the night between November 18th and 19th, YPA tanks shelled
the building. The YPA members threw tear-gas in the basement among the
civilians and the wounded. The civilians put up a white cloth and emerged
out of the basement. An eye-witness saw 7 or 8 killed civilians in the
basement. They were killed by mortars which were fired on the shelter. In
front of the "Komerc" building the civilians were encircled by soldiers
dressed in YPA uniforms (olive-drab) and wearing five pointed star symbols
on their caps.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the archives of the Department.
008 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting and destruction of civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Predrag Petrinjac (a Serb) beat and robbed a
Croatian civilian A. H. He took 1,000 DM and 40,000 Croatian Dinars from
her. He took her glasses and crushed them under his feet.
PERPETRATORS: Predrag Petrinjac (a Serb resident of Vukovar).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
009 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Internment of civilians in concentration
camps.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of Vukovar, members of
paramilitary formations ("Chetniks"), led by Vojvoda (a Chetnik officer)
Mirko Novkovic "Capalo", brought civilians to the "Velepromet" premises,
and turned the company into a concentration camp. In this camp, armed Serbs
determined the fate of certain Croatian civilians. Serbian occupying forces
established the so-called National Court-Martial which brought summary
convictions. This court was located in the "Velepromet" office building.
PERPETRATORS: Chetnik Vojvoda Mirko Novkovic "Capalo"; Inga Stankovic
(father's name Mirko); Zoran Stankovic (father's name Mirko); Nenad Zigic -
an inspector in the former Vukovar police station; Milan Torbica; and the
so-called Captain Dragan (all Serbs).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
010 CROATIA - TITOVA KORENICA - March 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 1991, the village of Rastovaca (27 kilometres
north of Titova Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars killed Bara Komljenovic, an
elderly woman from the village of Rasovaca near
the Plitvice Lakes.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written report currently kept in the archives of the
Department.
011 CROATIA - SV. FILIP I JAKOV - August 26, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, physical abuse and
destruction of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, at approximately 5:00 pm, in Sv. Filip
i Jakov (approximately 25 km southeast of Zadar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces attacked the
civilian population in the village of Sv. Filip i Jakov from the villages
of Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane. Artillery, tank, mortar and
multi-barrel rocket launchers were
used. The Croatian civilian Ante Fantina was seriously wounded, while
Silvestar Fantina sustained minor injuries. Several homes and civilian
property was damaged. The attack was launched from villages located in
UNPA Zone South.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the villages of
Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane, situated in UNPA Zone South.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
1993, page 4, titled "Hell in Biograd". Document kept in the archives of
the Department.
012 CROATIA - BIOGRAD NA MORU - August 26, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, murder and destruction
of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, at 6:35 pm, in Biograd Na
Moru (approximately 28 km southeast of Zadar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces attacked the
civilian population in the town of Biograd Na Moru from the villages of
Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane. Artillery, tank, mortar and
multi-barrel rocket launchers were used. Marija Zilic, a displaced person
from the village of Polaca near Benkovac, was killed in the attack.
Several homes were
destroyed. Serbian paramilitary forces also fired shells containing a
flammable mixture in order to ignite a fires. The attack was launched from
villages located in UNPA Zone South.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the villages of
Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane, situated in UNPA Zone South.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
1993, page 4, titled "Hell in Biograd". Document kept in the archives of
the Department.
013 CROATIA - TURANJ - August 26, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, resulting in physical
injury.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, in Turanj (approximately 22 km
southeast of Zadar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces attacked the
civilian population in the town of Turanj from their
positions in the villages of Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane.
Artillery, tank, mortar and multi-barrel rocket launchers were used.
Mirjana Pedisic, a Croat, was seriously wounded in the attack. The attack
was launched from villages located in UNPA Zone South.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the
villages of Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane, situated in UNPA Zone
South.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
1993, page 4, titled "Hell in Biograd". Document kept in the archives of
the Department.
014 CROATIA - ZADAR - August 26, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, resulting in physical
injury.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces launched two
attacks on civilians in Zadar from their positions in
surrounding villages. At exactly 8:50 pm tanks opened fire on Zadar.
Seven persons were seriously wounded. At 9:00 pm multi- barrel rockets
were fired on Zadar. The civilian Sinisa Krajsic (age 35) was killed in
this attack, and his wife was seriously
wounded. Also during this attack, six persons were seriously wounded.
Both attacks resulted in great material damage to
civilian property. The attack was launched from villages located in UNPA
Zone South.
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitary forces from occupied villages in the
Zadar hinterland, situated in UNPA Zone South.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Nnewspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
1993, page 4, titled "Tanks on Civilians". Document kept in the archives
of the Department.
015 CROATIA - OGULIN - August 30, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, resulting in physical
injury.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 30, 1993, at 1:00 pm, Ogulin district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces launched small and
heavy arms fire at 1:00 pm from their positions near the village of
Vojnovac and the town of Plaski. Over 100 projectiles of various calibre
fell on villages in the Ogulin
district inhabited by Croatians. Armed Serbian paramilitary forces
directed their attacks first towards the following villages: Pavlic,
Radosic and Modrus. Subsequently, the cities of Josipdol and Ogulin also
came under fire. There were several civilian casualties. The UNPROFOR was
informed of the attacks, however this did not result in a cessation of
hostilities. The
attacks were launched from Serbian positions in UNPA Zone North.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the village of
Vojnovac and the town of Plaski (UNPA Zone North).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 31, 1993,
page 9, titled "Tank Fire on Ogulin, Josipdol and Brinje". Document kept
in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991, village of Vaganac
(approximately 25 km north of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic church Sv. Kriz in the village of
Vaganac, built at the end of the 18th century, was seriously damaged during
World War II. Repairs and renovations to the church were completed in
1963. At the beginning of September 1991, tank and artillery grenades from
Serbian fire severely damaged the church. Following the occupation of the
village of Vaganac on October 8, 1991, Serbian forces mined and destroyed
the church and rectory.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
002 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 4, 1991, village of Smoljanac (approximately
27 km north of Titova Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sv. Ivana Krstitelja, the oldest chapel in the
parish district of Dreznik Grad, was located in the village of Smoljanac.
Armed Serbs burnt down the chapel on December 4, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of
the Department.
003 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 27, 1991, city of Slunj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church, Presvetog Trojstva,
was built in 1726. During Serb aggression against Slunj, the church
sustained minor damage from small arms fire. Following the occupation of
the city of Slunj (November 15, 1991) the church became target practice for
the Serbs, until they eventually burnt and destroyed the church on November
27, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
004 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991, Rakovica (approximately 22 km south of
Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish of Rakovica was established
in 1785. The church, Sv. Jelena, was completed in 1843. During World War
II the church was damaged and subsequently repaired. At the end of October
1991, armed Serbian forces burnt and destroyed the church.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
005 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 1992, village of Ladjevac (approximately 6 km
east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic church, Sv. Jurja, was built in
1776, with additions completed in 1841. The church was seriously damaged
during Serbian attacks in March 1991 The roof of the church was completely
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
006 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 24, 1991, in the village of Hrvatski Blagaj
(approximately 16 km north of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic church, Sv. Duha, was built in
1776. On October 24, 1991, armed Serbian forces launched heavy artillery
fire on the village. The church was burnt, its tower destroyed, as well as
most of the walls.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
007 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991, village of Dreznicko Seliste
(approximately 24 km south of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The district Catholic church in the village of
Drezni}ko Seliste was built in 1970. During Serbian attacks on the
village, the church was completely burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
008 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 23, 1991, Dreznik Grad (approximately 23 km south
of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church was built in 1883.
Serb forces fired the first grenades at the church on July 23, 1991.
Subsequently, the church was gradually damaged, until it was finally burnt
down. Parts of the church wall remain standing.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
009 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 15, 1991, Cvitovic (approximately 2 km north
of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church was built in 1790.
The church was severely damaged on November 15, 1991, after a Serbian
attack. On March 20, 1992, Serbian forces burnt down the church, with only
parts of the church wall still standing.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
010 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 5, 1991, Cetingrad near Slunj (approximately 20
km northeast of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church, Uznesenja Marijina
(built in 1805), was hit by a grenade on October 5, 1991. It was set on
fire on November 4, 1991. On December 1, 1991, Serbian forces mined the
church, thus destroying it completely.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
Department.
X. INSTIGATION OF AGGRESSION AND ACTS OF AGGRESSION
001 CROATIA - KNIN DISTRICT - 1990
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Instigation of aggression through
declarations and promises.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1990, the village of Kosovo (approximately 10 kilometres
south of Knin).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Immediately after the first free multiparty
elections in the Republic of Croatia (spring 1990),
local Serbs, and Serbians (residents of Serbia proper) began driving
throughout the Knin district in buses decorated with
pictures of Serbian Democratic Party leaders and Serbian national flags.
The first official Serb nationalistic gathering on a large scale was
organized on the Serb Orthodox Holiday (Vidovdan) in June 1990. At that
meeting, the leaders of the Serbian Democratic Party demanded that the
Greater Serbia be proclaimed on Croatian territory. They shouted various
anti-Croatian slogans. Shortly after that meeting, the Serbs blockaded
roads in the region, and daily maltreatment of the Croatian residents in
the area began.
PERPETRATORS: Leaders of the Serbian Democratic Party, self- proclaimed
district authorities in Knin, Serbian volunteers from Serbia proper.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - GLINA - June 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on nonmilitary objects.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 26, 1991, around 4:00 am, Glina police station.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb civilians from Glina, armed by
the YPA Garrison in Petrinja, and members of the irregular police formation
called SAO Krajina Militia ("Marti} unit") attacked the police station in
Glina. Some 400 Serbs armed with automatic guns, hand grenades and grenade
launchers, attacked 14 policemen who were on duty at that time. The
policemen were forced to surrender.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb civilians from Glina, members of the irregular
Serbian police (the so-called SAO Krajina Militia, or
Marti} unit).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - TURANJ/KARLOVAC - March 13, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Instigation of aggression by legal
provisions.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 13, 1993, Turanj/Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On March 13, 1993 a van with the Belgrade
license plate number BG 242-65 arrived in liberated Croatian territory at
the UNPROFOR checkpoint from the direction Slunj in occupied Croatian
territory. The police deployed at the Croatian checkpoint established that
the occupants of the van were members of a paramilitary formation and
escorted them to Karlovac police headquarters for questioning. Twelve of
the thirteen passengers in the van were Serbs born and residing outside of
the Republic of Croatia. One passenger was a Muslim, born in
Bosnia-Herzegovina. An examination of their
identification and military cards established that they were members of
Serbian military formation called "Stit", based in Belgrade and responsible
for organizing acts of terrorism in the Republic of Croatia. The prisoners
stated that they brought food, weapons and ammunition with them onto the
territory of the Republic of Croatia. The leader of the group was Slobodan
Markovic (age 42). He was born in Nova Pazova and resided in New Belgrade.
He is the owner of a private tourist agency in Belgrade. The Serbian
press praised Markovic "...for showing such bravery in the conquest of
Vukovar." He has the rank of captain in the YPA. The other occupants of
the van were also identified: Jovo Zivkovic (age 34, Belgrade), Zvonko
Ljuk (age
27, Belgrade), Dusan Vukovi} (age 39, Belgrade), Bratislav Djuraskovic (age
42, Prokuplja), Radmilo Golubovic (age 37,
Mladenovac), Vladimir Jovanovi} (age 59, Mladenovac), Miso Kanalic (age 27,
Novi Sad), Miljenko Semic (age 37, Zemun),
Cebinac Vidakovic (age 20, Zemun), Slavko Lukac (age 34, Becej), Caslav
Vlajkovic (age 31, Svetozar), Sead Subasic (age 37,
Breza - B-H). Their personal military service booklets showed that each
individual participated in the aggression against
Croatia, substantiated by the official written confirmation issued in
Serbia and included in each individual military booklet.
PERPETRATORS: Terrorist organization "Stit" from Belgrade and the Serbian
authorities.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The arrest of the 13 terrorists was reported in the
newspaper "Slobodna Dalmacija", March 15, 1993, page 8, titled "Pouring in
of Terrorists". Document kept in the archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - ZADAR - August 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Instigation of aggression by legal
provisions.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1993, Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: An armed Serbian saboteur attempted to cross
into territory controlled by the Croatian army in the Zadar hinterland.
According to his identification card and military records, Petar Tadic
(born September 17, 1955 in Novi
Sad, father's name Milutin) resided in Ruma, Serbia. He was a member of
the terrorist organization "Stit" from Belgrade which sends armed
terrorists to the Republic of Croatia to participate in the war against
Croatia.
PERPETRATORS: Petar (father's name Milutin) Tadic, born 1955, residing in
Ruma; terrorist organization "Stit" from Belgrade; Serbian authorities.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
1993, page 4, titled "Legal Terrorist Organization". Document kept in the
archives of Department.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - SINJ - August 23, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Maltreatment and murder of civilians,
looting of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 23, 1993, village of Maovice (approximately 36
km northwest of Sinj), UNPA Zone South.
SUMMARY OR REPORTED CRIME: On August 23, 1993, in the village of Maovice,
members of a Serbian paramilitary unit ("chetniks" from Lika and Bosnia,
specifically from Bosanski Petrovac, Drvar and Bosansko Grahovo)
maltreated, abused and killed (hanged) Mara Badurina (husband Stipe).
Prior to this, the house of Mara Badurina was looted. Mara Badurina
protested against the looting of her home, after which she was hanged in
her house.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serbian paramilitary unit ("chetniks" from
Lika and Bosnia, specifically from Bosanski Petrovac, Drvar and Bosansko
Grahovo).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 25, 1993,
page 4, titled: "Chetniks Hang Mara Badurina". Document kept in the
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - PAKRAC - September 8, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Murder and infliction of severe bodily
harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 8, 1993, 10:12 am, village of Kusonje
(approximately 1 km east of Pakrac), UNPA Zone West.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During the commemoration of the deaths of 8
Croatian police officers, who were killed on
September 8, 1991, a planted mine exploded. The following individuals were
killed by the explosion: Stanko Palic from
Bjelovar; Mirko Peres from Cazma; Zeljko Segovic from Bjelovar. The
following individuals were seriously wounded: Petar Gorsa;
Mijo Stimac; Josip Cakic; Drago Novakovic; Stanko Gazivoda; Goran Dolenc -
Croatian TV cameraman; Zorica Posaric - the mother of one of the police
officers killed in 1991. The following individuals sustained less severe
injuries: UNPROFOR commander of the Argentinean battalion; Sinisa Karacic;
Djuro Djeri -photographer; Igor Tuksa - Croatian TV cameraman; Ivanka
Grubesa - widow of one of the police officers killed in 1991. At 9:00 am
the morning of the commemoration, the area was searched by members of the
UNPROFOR. This implies that the UNPROFOR, after completing the check over,
left the area unsupervised which allowed the yet unknown terrorists to
plant the explosive.
PERPETRATORS: Terrorists in UNPA Zone West, under the control of Serbian
military and civilian authorities.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", September 9,
1993, pages 1, 2, 3, titled: "Massacre at the
Commemoration". Document kept in the archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 14-15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced labour of civilians, murder.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 14-15, 1992, suburb of Petrova Gora in
Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: At 8:00 pm, members of the YPA captured
civilians who were taking refuge in the basement of Ranko Blatni's house.
The captured civilians included: Zvonko Milic; Dragan Rezek; Pero Zak;
Pavao Tomic; Ivo Tomic; an
individual with the surname Mosulja. The captured civilians were taken to
the entrance of the suburb of Petrova Gora (towards
Giles Villa), where they were forced to dig a ditch. When the captured
civilians completed the ditch, which measured 6x5
metres, members of the YPA shot them and threw them into the ditch. The
next day, members of the YPA dumped more bodies from Proletariat Street
into this ditch.
PERPETRATORS: Members of YPA.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 14-15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Murder of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 14-15, 1991, 10 Proletariat Street, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA killed with a knife the
following Croatian civilians seeking refuge in the
basement of 10 Proletariat Street: Nikola Barkovic; Ana Barkovic (Nikola's
sister); Mandica Barkovic (Nikola's daughter-in-law);
Mika (Nikola's son-in-law); wife of Marinko Milicevic (age 23). Also killed
in the same basement were two Serbian civilians:
Sredoje KovaCevic and Cveta Kovacevic. The unarmed civilian, Marinko
Milicevic (Croat), was shot to death near the railroad
tracks. Serbs from Svetozar Markovic Street and Petrova Gora were among
the members of the YPA who committed these crimes. The witness recognized
the brothers Milan and Sime Samardzija who were dressed in YPA uniforms.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA, Milan and Sime Samardzija.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 16, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced civilian labour, murder.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 16, 1991, Proletariat Street, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Milenko Orescanin and another man forced the
witness to go to the railroad tracks to load dead bodies onto a truck.
Vaso Boras was the driver of the truck. The body of an unidentified man,
dressed in Croatian National
Guard uniform, was collected from 112 Proletariat Street. The head of the
body had been blown off. Subsequently, the following bodies were loaded
onto the truck: Pero Papa; Ivica Sjever; the mother-in-law of Ivica
Sjever; Adam Luketic; Rajko Luketic; the
witness' mother; Slavko Zak; Ranko Blatni (killed by a sniper near
Proletariat Street and the railroad crossing). When the
truck was full, the driver proceeded towards Giles Villa, at the entrance
to Petrova Gora, to dump the bodies into a dug hole
(6x5m and 3m deep).
PERPETRATORS: Milenko Orescanin and an unidentified man who forced
civilians to perform hard labour. The murder of civilians was committed by
members of the YPA during the September 14, 1991 attack when they threw a
bomb into a basement where civilians had sought refuge.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
005 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 16, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting and confiscation of civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 16, 1991, 5:00 pm, Proletariat
Street, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness saw Bogdan Miljanovic driving a
large truck ("Deutz") and take furniture from the house belonging to Ivan
Sparhaj. Others who participated in the looting included: Bogdan Brkovic;
a dark haired man called
"Koreja". All were members of the Novi Sad corpus of the YPA. The Novi Sad
headquarters of the YPA confiscated the house of
Ivan Sparhaj and eventually soldiers from the Novi Sad corpus moved in.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Novi Sad corpus of the YPA, including Bogdan
Miljanovic and Bogdan Brkovic.
archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Discrimination against the dead.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 15, 1991, Proletariat Street, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness saw a car ("Zastava 128") and
trailer driving slowly along Proletariat Street. On the back bumper of the
car, there was a decapitated head. On the trailer there were approximately
10 bodies, with arms, legs and one head dragging on the street. The wife
of Miroslav Bucko, a Ruthenian man killed on either September 14 or 15,
1991, asked a member of the YPA to allow her to give her husband a proper
burial. The members of the YPA placed the body of Miroslav Bucko in a chest
and put the chest in the canal. The wife was allowed to cover the chest
with sand.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA.
supplemented by a written statement, currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
Barry Marjanovich
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVIL
001 CROATIA - SINJ - September 5, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 5, 1993; 4:10 p.m.; the village of Hrvace.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mladen Radan and Miroslav Guberac were buried in
the local cemetery in Hrvace, in the presence of their relatives and
friends. During the funeral, at 4:10 p.m., the members of a Serb
paramilitary unit fired four mortars from their stronghold in the occupied
region. The mortars exploded in the immediate vicinity of the cemetery. The
region is in UNPA zone "South", and is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb paramilitary unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 6, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 3,
title: "Enemy Fires Mortars on Burial Procession". Document currently kept
in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 5, 1993; 3:30 p.m.; the village of Kasic (UNPA
zone "South").
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units from the
village of Smilcic fired seven 120 mm mortars on the village of Kasic.
After ten minutes, members of a Serb paramilitary unit stationed in the
Mandica Glava stronghold fired four mortars at the village of Kasic. The
Serb stronghold is located in UNPA zone "South", and is under UNPROFOR
control. PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb paramilitary unit stationed in the
village of Smilcic, and in Mandica Glava.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 6, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 8,
title: "Attacks Continue". Document currently kept in the archives of the
Department.
003 CROATIA - OGULIN/JOSIPDOL - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1991; 8:25 a.m.; Ogulin/Josipdol.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of paramilitary units launched an
artillery attack on civilian targets from their positions in the occupied
parts of the former districts of Karlovac and Ogulin. Ten 130 mm mortars
were fired on the Josipdol and Ogulin region. One woman was slightly
injured, and another two were seriously wounded by shell fragments. They
were taken to the Ogulin hospital and treated there. The shells were fired
from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 9, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
title: "Three Women Wounded". Document currently kept in the archives of
the Department.
004 CROATIA - KARLOVAC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 8:30 a.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched an
artillery attack on the centre of Karlovac from their strongholds in the
occupied region (right bank of Korana River). Ten large calibre shells were
fired on civilian objects. One family house was hit. The attacked was
launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units stationed in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 9, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
005 CROATIA - OTOCAC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 7:50 a.m.; Otocac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched a
mortar attack on the outskirts of Otocac, and the town itself, from their
strongholds in the occupied village of Zaluznica (cca 9 kilometres east of
Otocac). One person was
killed, while two persons were seriously, and another four slightly
wounded. Over one hundred mortars fell on the town's
centre and damaged approximately seventy residential buildings and
industrial installations. The attack was launched from Serb
strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 10, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
006 CROATIA - DUGA RESA - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 1:30 p.m.; the village of Mrzlo Polje (cca 3
kilometres north of Duga Resa).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the Serb paramilitary units launched
a mortar attack on the town of Duga Resa and surrounding villages from
their strongholds in the occupied region (right bank of Korana River). 15
shells were fired on this occasion. As a consequence, one villager of Mrzlo
Polje was killed, and another wounded. The attack was launched from Serb
strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 10, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
007 CROATIA - OTOCAC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 5:30 p.m.; the villages of Sinac and
Ramljani (cca 7 kilometres southeast of Otocac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched a
mortar attack on the villages of Sinac and Ramljani from their strongholds
in the occupied villages of Podum, Turjansko, and Zaluznica. As a result of
the mortar attack, fire broke out in several residential buildings and
industrial installations. The attack was launched from Serb strongholds in
UNPA zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR control. PERPETRATORS:
Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 10 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5, title:
"Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives of the
Department.
008 CROATIA - GOSPIC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 6:00 a.m.; Gospic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched an
artillery attack on the city of Gospic and the Licki Osik surroundings from
their strongholds in the occupied southeast region of the Gospic district.
Incendiary shells were
used in the attack, setting on fire many residential and other civilian
buildings. The attack was launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone
"South". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 10, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
009 CROATIA - GENERALSKI STOL - September 10, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 6:00 a.m.; Generalski Stol (cca 24 kilometres
south of Duga Resa).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serbian paramilitary units fired
fifty mortars on Generalski Stol and the villages between the Korana and
Mreznica Rivers from their strongholds in the occupied region (right bank
of Korana River). During the attack on the villages between the Korana and
Mreznica Rivers, one child was killed, and several people were wounded by
shell fragments. The attack was launched from the Serb strongholds in UNPA
zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 10, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
010 CROATIA - KARLOVAC - September 10, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 11:30 a.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units shelled the
city of Karlovac from their strongholds in the
occupied villages of Kamensko (cca 3.5 kilometres east of Karlovac) and
Mekusje (cca 1.5 kilometres east of Karlovac).
Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. more than a hundred shells were fired on
the city from heavy artillery guns, tanks, and multiple rocket-launchers.
Many residential buildings and industrial installations were destroyed on
the occasion. Three civilians
were killed by shell fragments, and four more died in the city hospital,
while seventeen persons were seriously, and another six persons slightly
wounded. Among the killed was Tomica Belavic, a journalist from Radio
Karlovac. All of the killed and wounded
persons were civilians. The attack was launched from Serb strongholds in
UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 11, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 3,
title: "Cities Shelled by Hundreds of Mortars". Document currently kept in
the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 6:40; Sisak.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched a
mortar attack on the Sisak area and the industrial zone on the outskirts of
Sisak from their strongholds in the currently occupied Petrinja. There were
no casualties, but
considerable damage was inflicted on the Sisak iron plant facilities and
residential buildings. The attack was launched from Serb strongholds in
UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North"
(Petrinja).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 11, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 3,
title: "Cities Shelled by Hundreds of Mortars". Document currently kept in
the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 7:00 p.m.; Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units fired more
than 40 mortars (in a 30 minute attack from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.) on Zadar
from their strongholds in the occupied Zadar hinterland. Considerable
damage was caused to residential buildings and industrial installations,
and one civilian was wounded. The attack was launched from Serb strongholds
in UNPA zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 11, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 3,
title: "Cities Shelled by Hundreds of Mortars". Document currently kept in
the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 11, 1993; 10:30 a.m.; Gospic, Stari Licki
Osik, Vuksic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched a
mortar and an "Orkan" multiple rocket-launcher attack on the city of Gospic
and the villages of Stari Licki Osik and Vuksic from their strongholds in
the occupied Gospic district. Two earth-to-earth rockets "Orkan" exploded
around 2:30 p.m. Two persons were wounded, and considerable damage was
inflicted on residential buildings and industrial installations. The attack
was launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is
under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 12, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 3, title:
"New Casualties and New Destruction". Document currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
014 CROATIA - KARLOVAC - September 11, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 11, 1993; around 2:00 p.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
fired more than 200 various projectiles on the southeast sections of the
city of Karlovac from their strongholds in Cerovac (cca 10 kilometres south
of Karlovac), and Tusilovic (cca 15 kilometres south of Karlovac). Many
civilian objects were damaged. Two year old Valentina Vlahovic was killed
in the city. In the Karlovac refugee centre "Gaza", projectiles damaged or
destroyed several prefab houses, and caused the death of two refugees
(Stjepan Sucec and Mile Zgela), while seven refugees were wounded: Ante
Saric (88 years old); Josip Saceric (36 years old); Fabijan Bublic (67
years old); Fabijan Skrapina; Antun Sladic (25 years
old), Barica Brucic (83 years old); and Andjelka Vlahovic. Danijel Rade was
killed in Gradec 121 (an outlying housing
development near Karlovac). The attack was launched from Serb strongholds
in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 12, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 3, title:
"New Casualties and New Destruction". Document currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
015 CROATIA - ZAGREB - September 11, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 11, 1993; 7:00 p.m.; the village of Lucko (an
outlying housing development south of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the explosion of long-range earth- to-earth
rocket "Luna" (NATO code: FROG-7), two civilians were seriously and another
nine slightly wounded. Considerable damage was caused to residential
buildings and industrial installations. A projectile exploded in the
front-yard of J. G.'s family house. The attack was launched from Serb
strongholds in the Vrginmost area (UNPA zone). The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
EVIDENCE: Photographs of destroyed residential buildings and industrial
installations. Photographs currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 12, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 3, title:
"Luna in the Zagreb Front-Yard". Document currently kept in the archives of
the Department.
NOTE: The rocket's war-head weighs 420 kilos. In the mid- seventies (1975),
the former YPA purchased enough war-heads to
arm a brigade and use them to form a strategic net with the main base
located around Banja Luka. The number of rockets fired at
various targets to date is larger that the number of rockets that were
initially purchased in Moscow; the Serb forces must have
purchased at least another shipment. The earth-to-earth rockets "Luna"
(FROG-7) "are intended for wide-range attacks on the enemy". Considering
the way that they were employed in this attack, their target and launching
time, it is obvious that they were intended to inflict considerable damage
on civilian objects in the city of Zagreb.
016 CROATIA - SUNJA - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; Sunja (cca 30 kilometres southeast
of Sisak).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched an
artillery attack on the civilian population and
civilian properties of the town of Sunja from their strongholds in the
occupied district of Hrvatska Kostajnica. The attack was
launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 7,
title: "They Waited for the Departure of General Cot". Document currently
kept in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; 8:01 a.m.; Samobor (cca 20
kilometres west of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units fired four
earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets charged with so-called "bells", from their
strongholds in the occupied villages of Stipan and Trepca (cca 45
kilometres south of Zagreb - right bank of Kupa River). In the explosion of
"bells" Alojz Lastovcic (72 years old) was seriously, and Josip Vranekovic
(52 years old) and Igor Bertovic (21 year old) slightly wounded. Several
family houses were damaged. The earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets were fired
from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 2,
titles: "The Wounded Brought to Safety", and "'Lunas' and 'Orkans' Took
Turns". Document currently kept in the archives of the Department.
018 CROATIA - JASTREBARSKO - September 12, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; 8:00 a.m.; Jastrebarsko
(cca 30 kilometres southwest of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serbian paramilitary units fired
three earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets charged with so-called "bells", from
their strongholds in the occupied villages of Stipan and Trepca (cca 45
kilometres south of Zagreb - right bank of Kupa River). During the
explosion of "bells" Ivan Zoretic (33 years old) and Barica Rodic (49 years
old) were seriously, and Stjepan Vuksan (56 years old) was slightly
wounded. Several family houses and personal vehicles were damaged. The
earth-to- earth rockets were fired from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone
"North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS:Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 2,
titles: "The Wounded Brought to Safety", and "'Lunas' and 'Orkans' Took
Turns". Document currently kept in the archives of the Department.
NOTE: Earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets are charged with 240 fragments that
are called "bells". During an explosion, the "bells" separate from the
cassette body of the rocket and fall on a wide surface. It is estimated
that some 80% of "bells" do not explode when they fall, but are activated
later by a touch. They are anti-personnel explosive devices.
019 CROATIA - IVANIC-GRAD - September 12, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; around 1:30 p.m.; Ivanic- Grad (cca
35 kilometres east of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units stationed in
the occupied area (right bank of Kupa River) fired at least one
earth-to-earth "Orkan" rocket from the multiple rocket-launcher "Orkan"
(charged with so-called "bells"). Mirjana Galic was killed, five persons
were seriously, and another three slightly wounded in the explosion of the
"bells". The explosion caused considerable damage, including the damage on
many family houses, industrial installations, and personal vehicles. The
mortars were fired from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region
is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 1,
title: "Death at Lunch Time". September 13, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 2,
title: "It Seemed Like It Thundered For Hours". Documents currently kept in
the archives of the
Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; around 1:40 p.m.; Kutina
(cca 65 kilometres southeast of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units, stationed in
the occupied area (southeast of Sisak) fired at least one earth-to-earth
rocket from the multiple rocket-launcher, "Orkan", (charged with so-called
"bells"). Three persons were slightly wounded, and several family houses
and personal vehicles were considerably damaged. The earth-to-earth rockets
were fired from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 2, title:
"Bells Fall on Kutina". Document currently kept in the archives of the
Department.
021 CROATIA - OTOCAC - September 12, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; 6:37 a.m.; Otocac (cca 50 kilometres
northwest of Gospic).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units shelled the
Otocac area from their strongholds in the occupied villages of Glavace (cca
5 kilometres north of Otocac), Podum and Zaluznica (east of Otocac). They
fired heavy artillery guns, mortars, howitzers, and an anti-aircraft 30 mm
gun charged with exploding bullets. The shelling lasted until 1:30 p.m.
Over 200 projectiles were fired on the town. One person was killed, and
another two seriously wounded by shell fragments. The attack was launched
from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", pp. 2 and 3,
title: "'Orkans' Launched on Samobor, Kutina and Ivanic- Grad". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; 9:40 a.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units stationed in
the southeast occupied region of the Karlovac district launched an attack
with mortars, heavy artillery guns, howitzers and rockets on Karlovac and
its surroundings. More than 450 projectiles were fired on the city. Three
persons were killed and another eight wounded. The projectiles were fired
from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", pp. 4
and 5, title: "A Cease-Fire With Guns". Document currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
023 CROATIA -GOSPIC - September 13, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; 1:45 p.m.; Gospic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched an
artillery attack on the town of Gospic and outlying housing developments
from their strongholds in the east occupied section of the Gospic district.
Several projectiles were fired on the town until 5:00 p.m. One civilian was
killed, and another nine civilians were wounded in the explosions. The
attack was
launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 6,
title: "One Killed, Nine Wounded". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
024 CROATIA - ZADAR - September 13, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; around 8:00 p.m.; Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units launched a
heavy artillery attack on Zadar from their strongholds in the occupied
Zadar hinterland. One civilian was killed, and another three civilians were
seriously wounded. A two year old child was among the wounded. The attack
was launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is
under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 7,
title: "One Resident of Zadar Killed and a Two Year Old Child Wounded"
Document currently kept in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; Pirovac (cca 25 kilometres west of
Sibenik).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units, stationed in
the occupied villages of Cicvare and Medare (cca 20 kilometres northwest of
Pirovac), fired six earth-to-earth rockets on Pirovac from the multiple
rocket-launcher "Oganj". One civilian was slightly wounded by a shell
fragment. Several family houses were considerably damaged. The attack was
launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone "South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 7,
title: "Fire From Tanks and Mortars". Document currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
X. INSTIGATION TO AGGRESSION AND AN ACT OF AGGRESSION
001 CROATIA - KNIN - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Use of an ultimatum to instigate an
aggression.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; Knin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mile Novakovic, the commander of the Serb
paramilitary formations in the currently occupied area of the Republic of
Croatia, put an ultimatum to the Croatian government through the UNPROFOR
commander, General Jean Cot. Commander Novakovic demanded that Croatian
forces withdraw from the areas southeast of Gospic before 1:00 p.m., and
that "Blue Helmets" undertake control in the village of Divoselo, near
Gospic. Serb forces threatened to attack "all of the military objects in
Croatia", if Croatians did not meet their demands. General Jean Cot
delivered this message from Knin to the Croatian authorities on September
10, 1993.
PERPETRATORS: Milan Novakovic (Commander of the Serb paramilitary units).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 11, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 3.
Title: "Serbs from Knin Threaten". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful arrests and imprisonment of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991; 3:00 p.m.; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A group of men (five or six) armedwith automatic
guns, and dressed in YPA uniforms, arrested two civilians (father and son),
and took them along with a large group of arrested civilians towards the
so-called "Wooden Market" (on Svapsko Brdo). After that they transferred
them by trucks and buses to "Velepromet" storehouses, near the YPA barracks
in Vukovar. YPA soldiers separated prisoners according to their sex
(male/female) and nationality (Croatian/Serb). Men were locked inside of
sheet iron storehouses fenced with barbed wire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - SLUNJ - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
killing of civilians.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA members openly helped Serb paramilitary
formations during the attack on the police station at Plitvice Lakes. After
that, they shelled (with large calibre howitzers) and destroyed the
Croatian village of Glinsko Vrelo.
Shells were fired from the Serb populated Cvijetnic Brdo (air space
approximately 2 kilometres from the village of Glinsko
Vrelo). In the same manner, members of Serb paramilitary formations and YPA
soldiers destroyed and burnt down residential and farm buildings in the
village of Hrvatski Blagaj. During the attack on Glinsko Vrelo, five
civilians were killed by shell
from the YPA training centre "Zbjeg" in Slunj
participated in the attack on the Croatian residents in the Slunj district.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb armed paramilitary formations; YPA members
from the military centre "Zbjeg" in Slunj, led by a YPA colonel
(Macedonian).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA/B-H - SLUNJ/KLJUC - November 16, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 16, 1991; Slunj (Croatia)/Kljuc (B-
H).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On the morning of November 16, 1991, most of the
civilian residents in the Slunj district withdrew towards Cazin
(Bosnia-Herzegovina) to escape an armed attack by members of Serb
paramilitary units, and YPA soldiers that was launched on the town of Slunj
and the surrounding Croat populated villages. From Cazin, the civilian
residents of the Slunj district drove towards Dalmatia in eighteen buses.
YPA members and members of the so-called SAO militia (from Croatia) stopped
the convoy in the town of Kljuc (B-H). They separated 180 men from the
convoy according to the list given to them by a certain Djuro (a militiaman
from the village of Brocanac, near Rakovica, Croatia). 180 imprisoned
Croatian civilians were taken in buses and YPA trucks to the Stara Gradiska
prison (Croatia).
PERPETRATORS: Members of irregular SAO militia (Croatia); YPA members from
Kljuc (B-H); a member of SAO militia called Djuro (from the village of
Brocanci, near Rakovica, Croatia).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
archives of the Centre.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the town of Ilok
(eastern Croatia, cca 35 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since the arrival of the UNPROFOR, two non-Serb
civilians have been killed in the area. Several Croatian civilians have
been repeatedly maltreated. Some ten Croatian families have been forced out
of their homes. In the same period, 62 civilians (54 Croatians, and 8
Slovaks) were forced to abandon Ilok due to constant maltreatment. The
occupying irregular Serb authorities in Ilok settled 4,400 Serb civilians
in the houses of evicted Croatians and Slovaks. The settled Serbs are not
the indigenous population in the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Ilok.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Ilok area has been under UNPROFOR protection
(UNPA zone "East").
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the town of Sarengrad
(eastern Croatia, cca 27 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Four civilian residents of Sarengrad (two men
and two women) were killed in the period between May 15, 1992, and February
15, 1993. In the same period, 50 persons abandoned the town due to daily
maltreatment. The occupying irregular Serb authorities settled 1,200 Serb
persons on properties of evicted Croatians. The settled Serbs are not the
indigenous population in the area. During January and February of 1993,
Serb paramilitary authorities forcibly mobilized Croatians aged 18 to 65.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Sarengrad. SOURCE OF
INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia Committee
for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Sarengrad area has been under UNPROFOR
protection (UNPA zone "East").
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the town of Tovarnik
(eastern Croatia, cca 23 kilometres southeast of
Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On May 20, 1992, the occupying irregular Serb
authorities in the town of Tovarnik evicted a
group of 22 Croatian civilians, and an additional 50 individuals of
Croatian nationality. In the same period two Croatian
civilians were killed: Ruza Anic (born 1942), and Zvonimir Peric. Some
2,500 Serbs were settled on the properties of evicted or
killed Croatians. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in
the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Tovarnik.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Tovarnik area has been under UNPROFOR
protection (UNPA zone "East").
004 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of
Tompojevci (eastern Croatia, cca 14 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between May 15, 1992 and February
15, 1993, 15 villagers of Tompojevci escaped to the free section of the
territory of the Republic of Croatia as a result of the daily maltreatment
committed by members of the occupying irregular Serb authorities. Members
of Serb irregular authorities killed Ivan Saric, a Croat villager of
Tompojevci, at the end of October 1992. At the end of November 1992, they
killed Josip Mesaros (Croat). 400 Serbs settled the properties of evicted
or killed Croats. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in
the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Tompojevci. SOURCE OF
INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia Committee
for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Tompojevci area has been under
UNPROFOR protection (UNPA zone "East").
005 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of Berak
(eastern Croatia, cca 13 kilometres south of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the arrival of the UNPROFOR forces, five
women of Croatian nationality were killed in the village of Berak: Tunica
Garvanovic, Ljubica Garvanovic, Ana Gvozdanovic, Ana Magic, and Ljuba
Potocki. 500 Serbs settled the properties of evicted or killed Croatians.
The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Berak.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic
of Croatia Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Berak area has been under UNPROFOR protection
(UNPA zone "East").
006 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of
Svinjarevci (eastern Croatia, cca 11 kilometres south of
Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Regardless of the presence of the UNPROFOR,
members of occupying irregular Serb authorities brutally maltreated
Croatian villagers of Svinjarevci. Manda Bozic (Croat, born 1912) was
killed on June 13, 1992, while the Croatian villagers Marin Ivanovac (born
1937) and Stajka Ivanovac (born 1940) were killed on September 18, 1992. A
Croatian villager, M. V., was taken to Negoslavci (cca 7 kilometres south
of Vukovar) at the end of September. His fate is yet unknown. The local
Catholic church was set on fire in September 1992. On September 25, 1992,
members of UNPROFOR took six persons of Croatian nationality (A. B.; A. B.;
M. B.; Dj. L., and B. L.) to Nemetine (free section of the Republic of
Croatia). Due to daily maltreatment, ten Croatian villagers escaped from
the village, crossed to Hungary, and from there reached the free section of
the Republic of Croatia.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in
Svinjarevci.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Svinjarevci area has been under
UNPROFOR protection (UNPA zone "East").
007 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the town of Opatovac
(eastern Croatia, cca 18 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since May 15, 1992, 50 Croatian and 30 Hungarian
residents of Opatovac abandoned the town due to daily maltreatment. 400
Serbs settled the properties of evicted and killed Croatians and
Hungarians. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in the
area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Opatovac.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Opatovac area has been under UNPROFOR
protection (UNPA zone "East").
008 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of Mohovo
(eastern Croatia, cca 21 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since May 15, 1992, 30 villagers of Mohovo
escaped due to daily maltreatment. They reached the free section of the
Republic of Croatia through Hungary. 200 Serbs settled the properties of
evicted Croatians. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in
the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Mohovo.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Mohovo area has been under UNPROFOR protection
(UNPA zone "East").
009 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of
Miklusevci (eastern Croatia, cca 11 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On May 18, 1992, occupying irregular Serb
authorities evicted 98 Ruthenian villagers of Miklusevci. 300 Serbs settled
the properties of the evicted Ruthenians who constituted the majority of
the village population. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population
in the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Miklusevci. SOURCE OF
INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia Committee
for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Miklusevci area has been under UNPROFOR
protection (UNPA zone "East").
010 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement of civilians, forcible
mobilization into paramilitary forces.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of
Petrovci (eastern Croatia, cca 9 kilometres south of Vukovar). SUMMARY OF
REPORTED CRIME: Since the UNPROFOR assumed control over the area, 50
Ruthenian and Ukrainian villagers of Petrovci abandoned the village in
order to escape daily maltreatment by members of occupying irregular Serb
authorities. 200 Serbs settled the properties of evicted Ruthenians and
Ukrainians. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in the
area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Petrovci.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Petrovci area has been under UNPROFOR
protection (UNPA zone "East").
011 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the town of Cakovci
(eastern Croatia, cca 13 kilometres southeast of
Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since the arrival of UNPROFOR in the Cakovci
area, 30 Croatian and 10 Hungarian residents abandoned Cakovci due to
frequent maltreatment by members of the occupying irregular Serb
authorities. 300 Serbs settled the properties of evicted Croatians and
Hungarians. The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in the
area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Cakovci.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Cakovci area has been under UNPROFOR
protection (UNPA zone "East").
012 CROATIA - NOVA GRADISKA - September, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Infliction of serious bodily harm; looting
of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1992; the village of Gornji Bogicevac (cca 14
kilometres west of Nova Gradiska).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: At the end of September 1992, in the late
evening hours, a member of the irregular SAO Krajina Militia broke into M.
S.'s (Croat, 80 years old) house. The burglar told the frightened woman
that he had a right to search all Croatian houses in the village of Gornji
Bogicevac. After that he took a pillow and put it over her face. He took an
oil lamp, spilled oil all over the old woman's body and head, and set her
on fire with a lighter. The woman ran out of the house in flames. While he
was stealing from her house, she managed to drag herself to a water trough.
She took off her clothes, and poured water on herself. The following day,
members of the UNPROFOR and irregular Okucani police arrived. They
questioned the woman, and then drove her to the hospital in Bosanska
Gradiska. While she was in the hospital, she was visited by Savanovic (a
member of the Okucani irregular police) and informed that her entire
property was stolen. Several days later, V. R., a Croatian villager of
Gornji Bogicevac, was brought to the hospital. He was beaten up and soaked
in blood. Members of the Okucani irregular police stole his last 100 DEM,
and beat him.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the irregular SAO Krajina Militia from Okucani.
EVIDENCE: Video tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
NOTE: At the time when the crime was committed, the Gornji Bogicevac area
was under UNPROFOR control (UNPA zone "West").
013 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 15, 1992 to February 15, 1993; the village of Lovas
(eastern Croatia, cca 17 kilometres southeast of
Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: At the end of January 1993, three women of
Croatian nationality were killed in the village of
Lovas: Pavica Kovacevic, Elvira Kovacevic, and Anica Pavlicevic. It was
reported that four men of Croatian nationality were killed at the same
time. By the end of January 1993, six families (25 persons) forcibly left
the village of Lovas due to daily maltreatment. The occupying irregular
Serb authorities settled 200 Serbs on the properties of evicted Croatians.
The settled Serbs are not the indigenous population in the area.
PERPETRATORS: Occupying irregular Serb authorities in Lovas.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Committee for Vukovar District from February 18, 1993, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: Since May 15, 1992 the Lovas area has been under UNPROFOR protection
(UNPA zone "East").
014 CROATIA - PAKRAC - August 5, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing and infliction of serious bodily
harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 5, 1993; the village of Dragalic (northeast of
Pakrac, UNPA zone "West").
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the Pakrac police station reported to
the Croatian Justice Department the names of three suspects charged with
carrying out a terrorist attack on a Croatian police patrol on the Donji
Grahovljani-Dragovici road, and killing of four members of the Croatian
police and wounding of four others. The suspects are as follows: Dragan
Pavic (born 1965) from the village of Donji Grahovljani; Goran Pasic (born
1971) from the village of Dobrovac, Lipik district; and Zoran
Pasic (born 1973) from the village Dobrovac, Lipik district (all Serbs). At
the moment, the suspects are located in the currently occupied section of
the Republic of Croatia, and are unattainable.
PERPETRATORS: Dragan Pavic (born 1965) from the village of Donji
Grahovljani; Goran Pasic (born 1971) from the village of
Dobrovac; and Zoran Pasic (born 1973) from the village of Dobrovac, Lipik
district.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: October 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p.
6. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
NOTE: In the Weekly Bulletin No. 4 from August 30, 1993, p. 1, we gave a
description of the event, along with the names of killed
and wounded Croatian policemen.
015 CROATIA - PAKRAC - September 8, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings; infliction of bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 8, 1993; 10:12 a.m.; the village of Kusonje
(cca 1 kilometre east of Pakrac, UNPA zone "West").
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the Pakrac police station accused
Radovan Komlenac (born 1950) from the village of Kusonje, and Milos
Andjelic (born 1963) from the village of Grahovljani for committing the
terrorist act of planting an explosive device, which caused the death of 3
persons, while 12 other persons were wounded in the explosion. Radovan
Komlenac and Milos Andjelic were also accused by the regional court in
Bjelovar for participating in the execution of the captured members of the
Croatian police in Bjelovar in September 1991. This crime was committed
under the order by Bogdan Dabic from Pakrac. All suspects are of Serb
nationality, and are unattainable since they are currently located in the
occupied section of the Republic of Croatia.
PERPETRATORS: Radovan Komlenac (born 1950); Milos Andjelic (born 1963), and
Bogdan Dabic (all Serbs from the Pakrac district).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: October 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p.
6. Title: "Suspects in the Crime in Kusonje". Document currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: The description of the crime and names of victims were given in the
Weekly Bulletin no. 6, from September 13, 1993, p.
1.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "The YPA recruited me in December 1990. I served
in the Guard in Belgrade. I was a member of a commando team, specialized in
destroying armoured units. The commander of my unit was Captain Miroslav
Radic. We did not know where we were going until we came to Tovarnik. We
were a regular army. However, members of Seselj's and Arkan's units went
with us, along with local chetniks. Captain Radic, a YPA officer, had his
platoon of "Seselj's" and "Arkan's" soldiers. Captain Radic was born in
1961, he is originally from Doboj, Bosnia. Then we went through Negoslavci
and arrived in Vukovar, in the Petrova Gora army barracks. I remember a
soldier from Ruma. He killed elderly and sick persons, and children in
Vukovar. His name is Spasoje, and his nickname is "Stuka" ("Pike"). We
often came into the basement, and those hiding there asked for a piece of
bread, their children did not leave the basement for fifty-six days, and he
("Stuka") killed all of them (...) He also killed a woman and her daughter,
both were Croatians from Nova Ulica. They lived in the sixth house from the
right hand side, and they had a yellow "Fico" (make of car, Zastava 750).
He killed the woman, and he tortured her daughter. He just came, put the
gun against the woman's forehead, laughed and shot her. Everyone did what
they wanted, no one was responsible for anything. No one blamed anyone for
anything. Our commander, Captain Miroslav Radic knew that "Stuka" killed
people in cold blood and he even encouraged him to kill some more. He gave
him even more freedom to do whatever he wanted. He was rewarded for
killing..."
PERPETRATORS: YPA members - Belgrade Guard's armoured brigades; YPA captain
Miroslav Radic; YPA soldier Spasoje nicknamed "Stuka" ("Pike") from Ruma
(Serb by nationality); members of Seselj's paramilitary units (named after
the president of the Serbian Radical Party Vojislav Seselj, who is their
leader); Arkan's units (named after their leader's nickname - Zeljko
Raznjatovic Arkan); and armed Serbs from Croatia who call themselves
chetniks, after the second world war chetnik fascist formations in the
former Yugoslavia).
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the archives of
the Centre.
NOTE: In his report, the witness describes the arrivals of high YPA
officers, and commanders of paramilitary formations in
Vukovar: "... Then I was assigned to the main operational officer for
Vukovar, YPA major Veselin Sljivancanin. Later, YPA Army
general Blagoje Adzic used to come to our staff headquarters. I personally
escorted him from Nova Ulica to Gacesina and
Kovaceviceva Ulica (streets in Vukovar). Vojislav Seselj also came fifteen
minutes after Adzic. After a short tour around the
city, they gathered in Nova Ulica no. 91, in Stanko Bogdanovic's house.
Here they planned attacks and the military operation
against Vukovar. I was in the room with them. The following people were
present at the meeting: Mile Mrksic (YPA colonel);
Miroslav Radic (YPA captain, and commander of the Guards Brigade); Veselin
Sljivancanin (YPA major, main operational
officer in charge of all military operations in Vukovar); Elvir Hadzic from
Bihac; Dejan Jovanovic; Vojislav Seselj (commander of Seselj's units, also
called chetniks); Blagoje Adzic (YPA general). They were at the top of the
commanding staff. Major
Sljivancanin was a tall and corpulent man with a moustache. He was the only
one among them who wore a camouflage uniform. He did not talk much. His
orders were indisputable. He was between 45 and 50 years old. He was a good
friend of Vojislav Seselj.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... after the fall of Vukovar, the YPA lost
control over the chetniks. They conducted themselves in a barbarous manner,
they looted houses, and drove off their spoils in trailer trucks. Everybody
did what they wanted. They brutally killed people. The treatment was
especially harsh with the Croats from Herzegovina. They (Serbs) did not
just kill them. They mutilated them. I remember how they boiled one Croat
held captive. They tied his arms and legs and threw him in the boiling
water. I think the victim was one of the main commanders of the Croatian
Army in Vukovar. I do not know his name. This crime was committed by the
Serb residents of Vukovar who lived in the section of Vukovar called
Petrova Gora. I do not know their names, but I would recognize them if I
saw them. The names were of no interest to me. Many civilians were killed
in the section of Vukovar called Mitnica. This section is located to the
right hand side from the aqueduct. The Vukovar chetniks from Petrova Gora
were notorious. They attacked Vukovar before us. We were the elite YPA unit
- the Guards Brigade from Belgrade. The Novi Sad Corps attacked from the
direction of the village of Bogdanovci, and the YPA members of Nis Army
District and Pancevo Tank Brigade were also present. Upon our arrival in
Croatia, our Brigade totalled 2,500 soldiers. My battalion totalled 408
soldiers. Only 108 returned to Belgrade. I escaped from the YPA, from
Belgrade, before New Year's Day (1992).
PERPETRATORS: YPA members of the Guards Brigade from Belgrade; Novi Sad
Corps; Pancevo Tank Brigade; YPA members from Nis Army District; Serb
irregular formations.
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the archives of
the Centre.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings, and locations of mass graves.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... After the fall of Vukovar, I was detained
in a shed at Ovcara (a plain), where 1040 Croatians were executed by firing
squad. I had to be part of the firing squad, but I could not take it. I
could not and did not want to shoot. There were elderly men who were
imprisoned. I was present when they ordered how many people were to be
shot. 320 persons were executed in the first round, and 720 in the second.
The orders were issued by a YPA major Veselin Sljivancanin. The executed
persons were buried at Ovcara. They were pushed into a ditch by an
excavator and covered with dirt. There were other private executions.
Soldiers would enter a house and kill elderly people. There is a
"Velepromet" storehouse in Vukovar. In this storehouse, the Serbs tortured
prisoners with shock-treatment. Women were also maltreated there. All sorts
of things happened there. Soldiers or chetniks would come, pick a group of
prisoners, take them out and execute them. I know for certain
that 1040 people were executed, but there are many more mass graves at
Petrova Gora, near "Elektroprivreda", at a large plain near the
power-plant, etc. Among the victims were Croatian soldiers who, prior to
the execution, had been kept in basements and the Vukovar army barracks
shelters. I know the location of the mass grave, where the excavator
covered people with dirt.
Ovcara is neither a hill nor a plain, actually it's more a plain than a
hill. When the excavators buried the people, the Serbs
brought steam-rollers, and flattened the ground so that no one could see
what had happened there.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members under the command of Major Veselin Sljivancanin.
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the archives of
the Centre.
*************************
http://www.vukovar.com
*************************
Barry Marjanovich
*************************
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings.
Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... According to my estimate, there were 2,000
of us. YPA soldiers, chetniks, and our Serb neighbours counted us and
separated Serb from non-Serb prisoners. Croatian prisoners were placed in a
separate group. A bakery that we used to call "Slavko the Baker's bakery"
was located at the "Drveni Pijac" ("Wooden Market"). I saw when thirty
people were taken to the front yard of this bakery. Among them were a stout
man, his wife and their seven year old son. Only a woman returned. She
wept, because she witnessed her husband's murder. A chetnik came from the
front yard, carrying the man's yellow boots. Radivoj nicknamed "Frizider"
("Fridge") came from the direction of the local supermarket. His father
Tomo used to be a medical technician in the Vukovar hospital. "Frizider"
carried a severed neckless male head by its dark hair. The head was severed
right beneath the jaw. One of the Serbs told "Frizider": 'You did not have
to do it, there are plenty of us.' "Frizider'"answered: "Who do we fear?
This is an ustasha's head, a trophy!' He lifted the severed head high above
him, so that all of us could see it."
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular formations called
chetniks; Radivoj nicknamed "Frizider" (Tomo's son). EVIDENCE: Audio tape
recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented by a written
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings.
Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Two men in uniforms separated a group of male
prisoners and took them behind the storehouse. Soon after an officer
arrived and said to all those who were present: "You are all men, and
therefore I call you so. Men, this was up to now Croatia. Croatia wanted to
obey genocidal Tudjman and his ustashas. They rebelled against the Serbs,
against the YPA, and against everything that is positive and progressive.
Ustashas instigated the war. They wanted the war, and they got it. They
lost it. Serbian Army, chetniks called "Beli Orlovi" ("White Eagles"),
Belgrade Guards' Regiment, and other combatants conquered Vukovar. Vukovar
is now Serbia. Vukovar will never be Croatia again. Now, you Serbs move to
this side, and you Croatians move to that side." They locked up Croatians
in a storehouse. At the entrance to the storehouse, they forcibly took away
Croatian prisoners' personal belongings, including their clothes. They even
took pills (to mental patients), and air pumps (to asthmatics).
Confiscation of such belongings was done by a man named Zivko (a dark
haired man of Serb nationality). Prior to the war, he used to work as a
supervisor at an agricultural co-operative in the village of Negoslavci.
"... YPA soldiers and chetniks arrived after the guards had locked us up in
the storehouse. They would pick one of us, and take him outside, and we
could hear the voices: 'Gauge out his eye, gauge out his eye!' A loud
inhumanly scream would follow, like a painful howl of an
animal. Then we would hear someone say: 'Gauge his other eye out! Chop off
his testis, the left one!' Another scream. 'Now chop off the right one!
Chop off the right one!' More screaming. 'Chop off everything!' Screams. We
heard a torturer's voice: 'Hey, you
ustasha, with how many fingers do you greet? Does anyone know how to turn
ustasha into a Serb?' Somebody answered: 'You chop off ustasha's two
fingers, and he's left with three. Then he'll greet as any Serb would do!'
Then we would hear a loud scream. We often heard a death-rattle, because
they used to kill by knife Croatian prisoners. We heard shots in the
distance. Sometimes shooting came from the immediate vicinity of the
storehouse. We heard the sounds of pistols and automatic guns. (...) Around
midnight they ordered us to leave the storehouse and get on the buses. I
think there were eight buses. They registered our names. They tied our
hands on our backs. They took some of the prisoners off the buses..." A bus
convoy was led by a transporter vehicle with blue rotational lights. The
convoy passed through Negoslavci, Orolik, and Tovarnik in Croatia, and Sid
in Serbia, before it reached its final destination - the Sremska Mitrovica
prison (Serbia). In front of the Sremska Mitrovica prison, YPA military
policemen, chetniks, and SAO Krajina militiamen (they had the insignia of
SAO Krajina Militia on the sleeves of their uniforms) received the
prisoners and beat them with clubs, rifle-butts, and fists, and kicked them
with their feet. Several other buses joined the convoy. The convoy
continued its journey, following the lead of the transporter vehicle with
rotational lights. They passed by Novi Sad and Zrenjanin, and arrived in
front of some sheds. They took the prisoners off the buses and locked them
into the sheds.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of the Serb irregular units called
"Beli Orlovi" ("White Eagles"), and chetniks. EVIDENCE: Audio tape
recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented by a written
archives of the Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Borovo Selo (cca 8 kilometres north of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Josif Ogrizovic nicknamed "Jole" or "Debeli"
("Fatso", 130 kilos) from Borovo Selo arrested his closest neighbour and
her husband (Croatians by nationality), although he was a civilian and not
a policeman. The arrested
woman's name was Blanka Gavranovic. She worked as a secretary in the HDZ
(Croatian Democratic Union) branch office in Borovo Selo. Her husband's
name was Dragan. He was a baker. Their whereabouts are yet unknown. The
spouses were arrested immediately before the YPA and Serb irregular units'
attack on eastern Croatia (in the time when the Serbs set up the first
barricades). Marija Zivkovic was also arrested, and her whereabouts has
been unknown.
PERPETRATORS: Josif Ogrizovic nicknamed "Jole" or "Debeli" ("Fatso") from
Borovo Selo.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Borovo Selo (cca 8 kilometres north of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: According to a witness' account, the Serbs from
Borovo Selo set up the barricades on all entrances to the village. However,
they allowed free passage to the delivery trucks supplying food to the
village. At the barricades, armed Serbs unlawfully searched persons and
stock. Boro Bogdanovic (a member of a Serb irregular unit) from Borovo Selo
battered a truck driver, who delivered the bread to Borovo Selo on a daily
basis), only because he was Croatian by nationality. Boro Bogdanovic was a
sturdy person, almost two metres high, and he was an active soccer player,
and a referee. He had a scar from an operation on his upper lip. The
witness claims that the main leader and instigator of the armed Serbs from
Borovo Selo was Soskocanin who used to work on the pig-breeding farm
"Vupik", at Ovcara. He lived in Skolska Ulica (in the second or third house
away from the school) in Borovo Selo. He had a brother, Radovan.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit from Borovo Selo, among whom
is Boro Bogdanovic; Soskocanin (a unit leader).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
archives of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lisane Ostrovicke parish (Benkovac district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The 17th century isle of St. Michael Catholic
Parish Church in Vukusic (a registered cultural
monument, its presbytery dates from the Romanic period) was set to fire and
destroyed. St. Nikola Tavelic Filial Catholic Church in Lisani (built in
1977) was mined and completely destroyed, while the rectory was set to
fire. St. Anthony the Hermit Catholic Filial Church in Bulic was destroyed
by shelling. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Filial Church in Ostrovica, St.
Catherine Catholic Filial Churches in Vukusic (the old church, along with
the recently built one), and the catholic filial church at Novo Groblje
(recently built cemetery) were destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Cista Velika parish (Sibenik district). SUMMARY OF
REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne Catholic Parish Church (built in 1968) was
shelled, damaged, and soon after destroyed. The rectory was looted and
burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Pirmatovci parish (Sibenik district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All Saints Catholic Parish Church in Krkovic
(built in the 10th century, extended and altered on several occasions,
renovated in 1989) was completely destroyed. St. Bartholomew Catholic
Filial Church in Zdrapanj (in part
dating from the time of Prince Branimir, and in part from the 15th century)
was completely demolished. St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Filial Church in Vacani (built in the 17th century, renovated in
1990) was hit by mortars, its roof was set to fire, and the entire church
was subsequently destroyed. Lady of Mercy Catholic Filial Church in
Pirmatovci (built in 1940, renovated in 1991) was completely destroyed, its
rectory was looted, set to fire, and subsequently mined and demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Dubravice parish (Sibenik district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Catherine Catholic Parish Church from the
Middle Ages (altered in 1953) was hit by shells and damaged. Lady of Fatima
Chapel and the rectory were seriously damaged by mortars. St. Nicholas the
Wayfarer Catholic Filial Church in Plastovo (dating from the Middle Ages)
was razed to the ground.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties. TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Rupe parish (Sibenik district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George Catholic Parish and Cemetery Church
was set to fire. St. Anthony Catholic Filial
Church (a village church) was seriously damaged in an air-raid and
destroyed. The rectory was looted and set to fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
006 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Miljevci parish (Sibenik district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Both the interior and the exterior of Sacred
Name of Jesus Catholic Parish Church in Drinovci (built in the 18th
century) was damaged. The rectory was hit by several shells, looted and set
to fire. St. Peter and Paul Catholic Filial Church in Siritovci was
demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
007 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Promina parish (Drnis district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Lady of Catrnja)
Catholic Filial Church in Lukar was damaged by shells and demolished. The
rectory in Citluk was broken into and looted, while St. Roccus Chapel near
the rectory was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
008 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Drnis parish (Drnis district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony Catholic Filial Church in Drnis (a
registered cultural monument) was damaged, while St.John Catholic Filial
Church in Badanj, St. George Catholic Filial Church in Zitnic, and Queen of
Peace Catholic Filial Church in Kricke were destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
009 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Siveric parish (Drnis district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter Catholic Parish Church (built in 1857)
was destroyed, along with its belfry (built in
1875). The local cemetery was damaged. The rectory was looted and
demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
010 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Kadina Glavica-Parcic parish (Drnis
district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph the Labourer Catholic Parish Church
was hit by shells, and its interior was
subsequently looted and demolished. St. John the Baptist Catholic Filial
Church in Parcic was demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
011 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Gradac parish (Drnis district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The rectory near Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Church was set to fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
012 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Kljaci parish (Drnis district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Elias the Prophet Catholic Parish Church and
the rectory were damaged in the shelling.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
013 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Knin parish (Knin district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish Church was
mined. The church door, and the window-panes were shattered. The church was
looted. St. Anne Catholic Filial Church in Kosovo was demolished. St. Anne
Chapel by the Kosovo road was mined and razed to the ground. St. Mary
Episcopal Catholic Filial Church (a registered zero category monument) was
damaged. The Franciscan monastery (a registered 1st category monument), and
the Franciscan school and convent were occupied and used as a military
headquarters.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
014 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vrpolje parish near Knin (Knin district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jacob Catholic Parish Church from the 18th
century was hit by two grenades and looted. The old rectory was set to
fire, while the new one (built two years ago) was occupied by Nikola
Maljkovic nicknamed "Lenin" who used to live in Vodice (born in Unista).
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
015 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Kijevo parish (Knin district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After being shelled, St. Michael Catholic Parish
Church was mined and subsequently destroyed. St. Catherine private parish
chapel was looted. The rectory was looted and set to fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
016 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Stankovci parish (Benkovac district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Sacred Virgin Mary Catholic
Parish Church, the rectory, the convent, Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Catholic Filial Church in Podrebaca, and St. Joseph Catholic Filial Church
by the new cemetery) were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
017 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Skradin parish (Sibenik district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Nativity of the Virgin Mary Catholic Parish
Church was severely damaged (its roof was burst open). During the shelling,
the rectory received a direct hit.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
018 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Mirlovic-Zagora parish (Drnis district). SUMMARY
OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Filial Church in Pakovo
Selo was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report currently
kept in the archives of the Centre.
019 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Unesic parish (Drnis district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George Catholic Parish Church was damaged.
Bishop Arneric's Residency was damaged by a mortar, along with St. John the
Baptist Catholic Filial Church in Planjani.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report
currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
020 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Zaton parish (Sibenik district).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George Catholic Parish Church was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The Sibenik Diocese Ordinariate report
currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
.
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991 - April 17, 1992; the town of Tovarnik
(cca 23 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness' account provides names of murdered
Croatian civilians, residents of Tovarnik who were killed by the members of
the YPA and chetnik units. Jelka Strolina and Ljubica Glavasevic were found
dead in their homes. On September 29, 1991, at 10:30 p.m., Djuro Filic was
killed in the garden of the house no. 44, in Gajeva Ulica. Djuro Filic had
been arrested and interned in the Begejci camp near Zrenjanin (Serbia). He
was brought back to Tovarnik by soldiers, among whom was Aco Trifunovic.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members, chetnik paramilitary units, Aco Trifunovic from
Tovarnik.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - April 17, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible depopulation of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: April 17, 1992; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23 kilometres
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... On Good Friday (April 17th) 1992, my wife
went out early in the morning to do some errands. At one moment the door
opened. I thought it was my wife. However, two men entered and said: '...
You ustasha m...f..., haven't you left yet?' I asked: 'Where to?' One of
the man was Ratko (I do not know his surname), a Serb from Podravska
Slatina. I thought it was some kind of a joke. He came to my bed. I was
still lying in it. He leant a gun against my forehead, and said: 'Do you
want me to kill you?' I said: 'Go ahead, kill me, if you have a bullet to
spare.' The situation became tense. He put the gun in his pocket and took
out a knife. He cursed my "ustasha mother". I got up, and he hit me twice
in the ribs with his fist. I do not recall anything else, because I
fainted. When I regained consciousness, my wife came into the house. Ratko
ordered us to get ready, and then he forced us out of the house. We (my
wife and I) were ordered to get into a car. Ratko shouted: 'Drive them to
Sid, and then straight to Tudjman. F... you and your Tudjman.' When he
brought us to the Sid railway station, he told me: 'Do not dare to move! If
you move, I'll kill you! Go to Bijeljina, and further, wherever you
can!'..."
PERPETRATORS: Ratko (an armed Serb from Podravska Slatina).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... During the attack on Tovarnik, they (Serb
paramilitaries) did not choose their targets, but
rather they fired at random from all available arms. I and Ante
Rotim hid in the basement. In the evening, the chetniks entered
the village. They came to our basement, and Zoran Bursac (Serb
from Tovarnik), and an anonymous chetnik fired on us from an
automatic gun. Bursac shot me in my ear and jaw, while Ante Rotim was
lightly wounded in the thorax by a bullet that bounced off
the wall. We shouted: 'Don't! Do not shoot! Children are in
here!' Then they forced us out of the basement and ordered us to lean up
against the wall..."
PERPETRATORS: Members of the chetnik paramilitary unit, among
whom was Zoran Bursac (Serb from Tovarnik).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 23, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of
intimidation and terror.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 23, 1991, the town of Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... They forced all of us out of the street and
into Mate Adamovic's (an innkeeper) yard. The town was full of tanks. They
lined us up and ordered Croatians to separate from Serbs. A Serb civilian
V. K. refused to separate from us. He remained with us. (...) There were
100 of us. (...) That day, a self-proclaimed Captain Dragan came to us from
Knin. He mounted a beer crate and he said, waving a pistol above his head:
'I am the only one who is authorised to kill whoever I wish. I'll take out
ten of you and execute them. I have the right to that. I have been
authorised for that.' During his speech, the chetniks
carried out drinks from the inn and drank, and yelled. They maltreated
Antun Grgic nicknamed 'Tuno'. (...) Captain Dragan was dressed in a YPA
uniform (olive-drab), but without any insignia on his cap. On the left
front side of his uniform, he had a small metal plate with 'Captain Dragan'
written on it. Later, they forced us to walk along a path. When we stopped,
they forced us
to lie in the mud. One of the chetniks, drunk or half-drunk, stood in front
of us holding a knife in his hand. He killed a
soldier whose body was left lying on the road. He did not tell us anything.
He just gazed at us, and shivered. (...) A truck
arrived. The driver was Stevan Srdic (Trifun's son), a Serb from Tovarnik.
They drove us towards Sid (Serbia)..."
PERPETRATORS: A Serb paramilitary unit under the command of Captain Dragan;
Serbs from Tovarnik; Milenko Miljkovic, and
Stevan Srdic (Trifun's son).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 21, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1992; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA members and members of Serb paramilitary
units attacked civilians and civilian properties in Tovarnik. The attack
was launched from two directions: Ilaca, and Sid (Serbia). A considerable
number of family houses and farm buildings were destroyed during the
shelling.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 25, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment, and forcing to hard
labour.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 25, 1991; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Following the occupation of Tovarnik, the
members of the YPA and the Serb paramilitary units arrested Croatian male
civilians. A witness was imprisoned in the basement of Cvejic's house,
along with the other 16 Croatian civilian residents of Tovarnik. Among the
prisoners were the following civilians: Mate Cuk, Mihajlo Dovicin, Ivan
Beljo, Boza Grbesic, and Tomislav Ivkovic nicknamed "Subasa"... On the day
of his arrest, the witness was forced by the members of irregular militia
to remove the corn stems from the fields surrounding the town, because they
suspected that anti-personnel mines were planted in the corn-fields. While
working, the witness was guarded by an armed Serb.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members among whom were Mile Saja, and Milenko Smiljkovic
from Tovarnik; members of the Serb paramilitary unit called chetniks among
whom was Slavko Saja nicknamed "Prajin" from Tovarnik; members of the
irregular militia among whom were Bozo Rudic, Dusan Vorkapic, and Savo
Ivanovic.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcing to hard labour.
TIME AND LOCATION: Late September 1991; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In his account, the witness reports that the
members of the irregular militia forced him to dig out a mass grave for the
killed civilians, along with another six Croatian men from the town of
Tovarnik. 24 killed Croatian
civilians, residents of Tovarnik, were buried there in a single day. Among
them were Franjo Kuzmic, Mara Kuzmic, Felka Glibo,
Jelka Strolina, Djuka Balic's father, Aco Popovic, an elderly male person
nicknamed "Cuker" ("Sugar Cube"), and Janko Budim... During October, the
witness and another two prisoners buried three killed Croatian civilians
from Tovarnik: Tomislav Ivkovic
nicknamed "Subasa", Pavo Vrancic, and a man whose name he could not recall.
Rade Zagar, Tomo Glibo, Father Burik, the mother of Tomislav Ivkovic
nicknamed "Subasa", and Branko Salajic nicknamed "Latas" were buried in the
same mass grave. The witness pinpoints the locations of all mass graves in
the Tovarnik area.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serb irregular militia in Tovarnik. EVIDENCE:
Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented by a
written statement currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
006 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 7, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing and destruction of
civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23 kilometres southeast
of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In his account, the witness reports the murder
of Father Burik (September 7, 1991) by the members of the Serb paramilitary
unit called chetniks ("Dusan Silni" unit) who were stationed in Ivan
Drmic's house. In September, Ante Markanovic was killed by Radoslav
Stanimirovic's brother who had chetnik insignia on his hat. The following
persons set Croatian family houses to fire: Mile Ergic, Trifun Srdic, and
Stevan Srdic (Trifun's son). According to the witness, the following
persons formed the Serb self-proclaimed authorities in Tovarnik, at the
time of the crime: Ranko Milicevic (the commander-in-chief of the town's
defense council); Aca Trifunovic (the first president of the Tovarnik local
community after the occupation); Sreto Pokrajac (Aca Trifunovic's successor
in the place of the president of the Tovarnik local community); Jovica
Medic (replaced Sreto Pokrajac in the place of the president of the
Tovarnik local community). Sreto Pokrajac issued the order that all
Croatian civilians be evicted from the town, and Jovica Medic carried out
this order to the last.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serb paramilitary unit called chetniks ("Dusan
Silni" unit); Serb self-proclaimed authorities in Tovarnik.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL, AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Aljmas.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of Solace (Shrine of the Blessed Virgin
Mary), the 1st category monument, built in 1852, was damaged on the outside
by mortars, and demolished on the inside.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
002 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Antin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic Filial Church in Antin was slightly
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
003 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Apsevci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic Filial Church in Apsevci was damaged.
The church belfry was destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
004 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Bapska.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George Catholic Filial Church was built in
1764. In the first attack on the church the steeple and the bells were
destroyed. On October 25, 1991, four explosive devices were placed inside
the church. Strong detonation threw the altar pieces to the ground and
damaged the steeple and the church front. Later on, the hand grenade was
thrown inside the church. On this occasion, the church interior was
completely demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
005 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Bapska.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic Filial Cemetery Church from the 14th
century is the 1st category monument (renovated in 1976). The gravestone
inside the church was pierced by a rifle grenade. The rectory was looted
and turned into a militia station. The rectory cellar was turned into a
torture chamber.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
006 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Baranjsko Petrovo Selo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Lawrence Catholic Parish Church from 1903
was broken into by chetniks on August 30, 1991. They smashed the
church-organ, toppled the "versus populum" altar and the ambo, broke the
statues and the confessional, and threw about the cassocks. They also broke
into the rectory.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
007 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Beli Manastir.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martin Catholic Parish Church (built in
1774) is the 3rd category monument. On December 18, 1991, the rectory
entrance was blown to pieces by a rifle grenade. An explosive device was
placed underneath the church door. The belfry was damaged by rifle bullets.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
008 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Berak.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Beheading of St. John the Baptist Church was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
009 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Bilje.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The rectory, belfry, and the church bells of the
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church (built in 1775)
were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 15.
010 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Bogdanovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Exaltation of Holy Cross Church was severely
damaged on September 22, 1991, after repeated attacks, and subsequently
completely destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "SACRAL INSTITUTIONS ON TARGET",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, pp. 15.
XI. RACIAL AND OTHER DISCRIMINATION
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Desecration of bodies.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991; the town of Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "On October 10, 1991, a deputy commander came to
us. There were ten of us. He ordered us to take the shovels. We went out
and sat in a trailer truck driven by a militiaman. He had a five-pointed
star on his cap. He drove us from Cvejic's house (turned into a prison)
towards the cemetery. A Serb member of the so-called SAO Krajina Militia,
Dule Stupar from Tovarnik, went in front of us. An army excavator (of green
colour) followed us. The excavator dug out a channel. The driver of the
excavator told Dule to throw the bodies into the channel. There were six
bodies wrapped in blankets or nylon sacks. We threw them into the channel
one at a time. The person who dug out the channel shouted: 'Shall we kill
them too?' Our guard answered that we finished our job and that he was
taking us back to prison. Later we heard that Father Burik and the mother
of Tomislav Ivkovic nicknamed "Subasa" were among those six bodies. (...)
M. C. from Tovarnik told me that he found the bodies of the following
residents of Tovarnik in a corn-field: Tomo Glibo; Pavo Vrancic; Tomislav
Ivkovic nicknamed "Subasa"; and another person whose name he could not
recall. He buried the bodies in a mass grave.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb self-proclaimed authorities in
Tovarnik.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 11, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Desecration of bodies.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 11, 1991; the town of Lovas (cca 17 kilometres
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... On November 10, 1991, chetniks launched an
attack on Lovas. The following day we found out that 23 or 24 persons were
killed. All victims were Croatian civilians, residents of Lovas. Two or
three days following the
occupation of Lovas, I saw an excavator that was digging something near the
cemetery. I thought that they were going to
entrench their tanks there. Soon after I saw a tractor trailer full of the
bodies wrapped in shrouds and sacks. I saw young
captives from Lovas. They were taken in the direction of the cemetery.
After approximately an hour they were brought back by a group of armed
chetniks who walked before and behind them. The captured young men were
detained in the basement of the local Farm Co-Operative. (...) As I found
out later from a resident of Lovas, Serbs buried the killed Croatians near
the town's
dumpsite. The excavator was seen at the location during those days..."
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb self-proclaimed authorities in Lovas; members
of the Serb paramilitary unit called chetniks.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
.
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - DVOR NA UNI - July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 26, 1991; 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; villages of
Kozibrod and Struga (north of Dvor na Uni).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On July 26, 1991, between 10:30 a.m. and 9:00
p.m., members of the Serb paramilitary unit from Dvor na Uni employed the
civilians from Struga and Kozibrod as a live shield in order to occupy the
Kozibrod police station (Croatian police). After that they massacred the
civilians and members of the police station. The civilian victims were as
follows: Mile Blazevic, Pajo Zuljevac, Pajo Knezevic, Mile Begic, Mile
Pusic, Mande Begic, and Pero Spanjic. Along with them, the following
members of the police force were killed: Zarko Gundic, Goran Fedeljevic,
Ivica Poric, Mladen Halapa, Branko Vuk, Zoran Saronja, Davor Vukas, and
Zeljko Filipovic. The following civilians were seriously wounded by fire
arms: Milan Bartolovic, Ivo Spancic, Stjepan Mihocic, Milan Begic, Dragan
Begic, Sefko Begic, and Nikola Jukic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serb paramilitary unit from Dvor na Uni among
whom were Predrag Orlovic, Nenad Korizma, Predrag Korizma, Dragan
Vranesevic, Dusan Badic, Jan Jankovic, Leonardo Jankovic, Toso Sundac,
Goran Barac, Nedjeljko Pasic, Milan Begovic, Pero Krnjeta, and Dusan
Tomasevic (all from Dvor na Uni).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: May 16, 1992 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p. 8.
Entitled: "Nedostupni policiji, dostupni pravdi" (Unliable to Police,
Liable to Justice"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - SISAK - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
destruction of civilian property; forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; village of Staza (cca 3.5 kilometres southeast of
Sunja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary formations from the
nearby villages (Donji Hrastovac, Pobrdjani, Capljani, Sunja, and Sas)
attacked civilian villagers of Staza, and destroyed their houses and farm
buildings. All 380 villagers of Staza were forced to abandon the village.
After forcibly evicting the residents, the attackers looted and set on fire
most of the family houses and farm-buildings. The villagers were forced to
find shelter in the corn-fields, and on this occasion
they recognised some of the attackers.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units among whom were Gojko
Mrdjenovic from the village of Pobrdjani, Milan Zelenkovic nicknamed "Zeko"
("Bunny") from Sunja, Dragan Halagic from the village of Donji Hrastovac,
Cedo Cvor from the village of Capljani, Nikola Ladjevic from the village of
Sas, Jovo Cekic from Sunja, Milan Kuzmanovic from Sunja, Jovan Vujkalija
from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Dusanka Vujkalija from the village of
Donji Hrastovac, Milan Bozic from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Stojan
Ereckovic from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Branka Mrdjenovic nee
Ereckovic (Stojan's daughter) from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Zeljko
Cvetkovic from the village of Pobrdjani, Zdravko Cvetkovic from the village
of Pobrdjani, Stevo Kaprolovic from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Vlado
Jasenovcan from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Jefto Dragosavljevic from
the village of Donji Hrastovac, Predrag Burnic from the village of Donji
Hrastovac, Bosko Mrdjenovic from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Perica
Malencic from the village of Donji Hrastovac, Stevo Dragovic from the
village of Donji Hrastovac, and Dragan Domazet from the village of Donji
Hrastovac.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: May 18, 1992 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p. 8.
Entitled: "Prepoznali zlocince" ("They Recognised the Perpetrators").
Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible eviction (depopulation) of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 1992; Tovarnik (cca 23 kilometres southeast of
Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A witness describes in detail the manner in
which an armed group of masked Serbs from Tovarnik, among whom were Dragan
Sedlic, Zoran Lazarevic, and Stevan Srdic (Trifun's son) looted Tovarnik,
arrested 23 Croatian civilians, and forced them to abandon the town, and
find shelter with the UNPROFOR Russian Battalion headquarters in Klisa.
After spending five days at the UNPROFOR Russian Battalion headquarters,
the evicted Croatians were relocated to Osijek (free section of the
Republic of Croatia).
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serb paramilitary unit stationed in Tovarnik,
among whom were Dragan Sedlic, Zoran Lazarevic, and Stevan Srdic (Trifun's
son).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - SLUNJ - November/December 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November/December 1992; village of Gornji Ladjevac (cca
6 kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Croatian civilians who remained in their
villages and towns after the Serb occupation of the Slunj district
(November 15, 1991) were maltreated, arrested, and looted... Their
situation did not improve after the arrival of
the UNPROFOR (Polish Battalion). According to an eye-witness, during
January 1992, the following civilians were burnt alive:
Mile Radocaj nicknamed "Mico", Ive Radocaj, Ante Radocaj, Roze Radocaj and
his son, and Bare Radocaj. Furthermore, two old women (whose names the
witness could not recall) were killed in the neighbouring house. A couple
of days later, the armed Serbs killed and set on fire Ivica Mosavljevic and
his wife Anka. In February 1992, Slave and Pave (two Croatian civilians)
were
killed. According to the witness the UNPROFOR put the event on record at
the time. In June 1992, Milan Pesic nicknamed "Beli" ("White", Serb by
nationality) from the village of Popovac, killed Dane Bogovic (a Croatian).
In November 1992, Serbs threw
Ivica nicknamed "Janjin" (a Croatian civilian whose last name the witness
could not recall) off the cliff while he was still alive. PERPETRATORS:
Serb occupying paramilitary authorities in the Slunj district; members of
Serb paramilitary units, among whom
was Milan Pasic nicknamed "Beli"; members of the irregular Serb police of
the Slunj district.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - SLUNJ - February 17, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: February 17, 1993; the village of Donji Ladjevac (cca 6
kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... After the YPA and Serb paramilitary units
attacked and occupied the Slunj district in
November 1991, they began terrorizing all of the non-Serb residents of the
district. The immediate perpetrators were Serbs from the village of
Susnica, Brocanac, and Posic (all members of the so-called Serb Territorial
Defense Unit). They terrorized the population in various manners: looting,
intimidation, and murders. Their principal intention was to forcibly evict
the remaining non-Serb population. The major perpetrators were Milan
Vukelic nicknamed "Mico", Simo Devic, Milorad Cuic nicknamed "Bekrija", and
Nenad Tepavac..." The witness reports in detail how he was maltreated by
his torturers (they fired on his house, slashed him with a knife on the
face, etc.). According to his account, on February 17, 1993, armed Serbs
killed a Croatian civilian Pavo Samardzija. The witness gives the location
of the murder and data on the perpetrators.
PERPETRATORS: Serb occupying self-proclaimed authorities; members of Serb
paramilitary units, among whom are Milan Vukelic nicknamed "Mico", Simo
Devic, Milorad Cuic nicknamed "Bekrija", Nenad Tepavac.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIAN POPULATION
001 CROATIA - May 1-2, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
terror; looting and destruction of civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 1-2, 1993; village of Gornji Ladjevac (cca 6
kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: According to an eye witness, Milan Juzbasic (19
years old) from the village of Brezovac, and Milan Kresev (23 years old)
from the village of Brocanac, both of Serb nationality, came to the
witness' yard and took away his tractor. The witness reported the theft to
the UN Polish Battalion). The next morning, around 6:30, armed Serbs came
to the witness' house: Mico Vukelic from Slunj (born in the village of
Brocanac), Simo Delic from Slunj, and Djuro Tepavac nicknamed "Galin" from
Slunj. They were dressed in uniforms, and they carried a heavy machine gun.
"Galin" had a 70 cm long sabre attached to his waist. They threatened the
witness, and told him that he should be very careful to whom he reported
thefts. The witness quotes his words: "Today will take your tractor,
tomorrow your cow, and the day after tomorrow we'll take off your head."
According to the witness, Milan Cvjeticanin and Rade from Kosa looted
civilian property. The family houses of evicted Croatians from the village
of Gornji Ladjevac were set on fire by Bekrija Cuic from the village of
Brocanac, Neno Tepavac, and other two anonymous male persons.
PERPETRATORS: Milan Juzbasic (19 years old) from the village of Brocanac;
Milan Kresev (23 years) from the village of Brocanac; Mico Vukelic from
Slunj; Simo Delic from Slunj; Djuro Tepavac nicknamed "Galin" from Slunj;
Milan Cvjeticanin; a person called Rade from Kosa; Bekrija Cuic from the
village of Brocanac; Neno Tepavac.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 8, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Internment into concentration camps.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991; Borovo Naselje (cca 4 kilometres north
of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 8, 1991, a group of civilians tried
to extinguish the fire in the "Komerc" building in Borovo Naselje, but were
arrested by members of the Serb paramilitary unit among whom was Slavoljub
nicknamed "Seljo" ("Hick"), the "Borsalino" cafe proprietor from Borovo
Naselje. On that same day, they were transferred to Serbia in a YPA
transporter, and interned in the Stajicevo concentration camp (Serbia).
During the transport from Borovo Naselje to the
concentration camp, the arrested civilians were maltreated by four Serb
escorts, members of the Serb paramilitary units. The
witness stated in his statement that some 6,500 persons were interned in
the Stajicevo camp, among whom were many females. He also stated that the
interned persons were mostly from Vukovar, Borovo Naselje, and Miklusevci
(Croatia).
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary unit from
Borovo Naselje, among whom was Slavoljub nicknamed "Seljo" (a Serb, the
"Borsalino" cafe proprietor).
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the archives of
the Centre.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; the town Sarengrad (cca 27 kilometres
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: According to a witness' statement, the town of
Sarengrad was first attacked from the territory of Serbia proper.
Residential areas, economic installations, and road communications were
shelled and considerably damaged. During the mortar attack, the following
residents were killed: Jule Saracevic, and the local veterinarian Josip
(the witness cannot
recall his last name). The witness claims that he watched movement on the
territory of Serbia proper through binoculars,
and he noticed five heavy machine guns that fired on Sarengrad. The witness
saw when a tank stationed on the Serbian bank of the Danube river (left
bank of the Danube) fired eight mortars on the Sarengrad Orthodox Church,
and one mortar on the local Catholic church. According to the witness'
account the attack was launched around October 16, 1991. After the attack,
the YPA soldiers under the command of a YPA major entered the town and
demanded from the residents to surrender all of their arms, which was done
soon after.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness, supplemented
by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
001 CROATIA/SERBIA - ZRENJANIN - October 8, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Torture, inhumane treatment, raping of
female prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8 to December 10, 1991, Stajicevo concentration
camp (south of Zrenjanin).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A former female prisoner in the Stajicevo
concentration camp near Zrenjanin (Serbia) reports in her statement of
sexual maltreatment she had to endure during her stay in the Stajicevo
concentration camp. The brutality that she experienced by the YPA members
(the camp authorities) included physical maltreatment (battering), forced
oral, vaginal and anal sexual intercourse, extinguishing cigarettes on the
nude body... Only during the first night spent in the camp (October 9,
1991), the witness was raped by seven men (aged 25 to 30). She was raped
from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Among the rapists was a YPA captain, and a YPA
soldier named Bozo. According to the witness, the YPA soldiers raped her
almost every night that she spent in the camp. She states that the other
female prisoners (aged 17 to 50) were also raped.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members (organizers of the concentration camp; they were
the only authority in the camp); among them was a YPA captain, and a
soldier by the name Bozo.
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the archives of
the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1, 1991; Bosanka.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church was
damaged on October 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
002 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: Beginning of October, 1991; Brasina (Zupa Dubrovacka).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Luke's Catholic Filial Church was damaged in
September 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
003 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1, 1991; Brgat.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne's Filial Church (built in 1348) was
damaged by mortar shells on October 1, 1991. It was hit by ten shells on
October 27, and later burnt to the ground.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
004 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1, 1991; Brgat.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne's Parish Church (built in 1912) was
damaged on October 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
005 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 5, 1991; Brsecine.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne's Catholic Filial Church.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
006 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 7, 1991; Cavtat.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of the Snow Franciscan Church (built in
1484) belfry received a direct hit by a mortar. The Franciscan monastery,
the Racic Family Church-Mausoleum (built by Ivan Mestrovic in 1921) were
also damaged on that occasion.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
007 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: Beginning of October, 1991; Cilipi.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas' Filial Church (built in 1858) was
damaged in early October, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
008 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 7, 1991; Doli (Zaton).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter and Paul Catholic Filial Church (built
in 1668) was damaged in the missile attack on November 7, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
009 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 11, 1991; Boninovo (Dubrovnik).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Hilarius' Catholic Church and Cemetery were
damaged on November 11, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
010 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 11, 1991; Dubrovnik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption Cathedral (built in 1713) was shelled
on November 11, 1991, and further damaged on December 6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", issued 1992 by The
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 2nd edition, p. 61.
011 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of cultural and
historic objects.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; Dubrovnik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During several weeks of attacks on Dubrovnik,
many cultural monuments were damaged, such as the historic core of Cilipi,
while the building of "Zavicajna zajednica" ("Home Club") was destroyed.
The historic Isle of Lokrum was damaged. The Bozdari-Skaprlenda Castle in
Cajkovica (built in the early 18th century) was damaged, Sorkocevic (Sorgo)
Castle in Komolac (Rijeka Dubrovacka) was hit by several projectiles. The
Bizzaro summer villa in Cempresat, a unique
example of the baroque architecture in Croatia, was damaged. The Arboretum
Garden, and the roofed terrace of the Gusetic Castle in Trsteno fired on
from the heavy artillery guns and planes and set on fire. During the
attacks on Rijeka Dubrovacka, the 16th century Gradic-Kosijanovic summer
villa in Komolac was damaged. The medieval St. Catherine's Tower at the
Isle of Lokrum was severely damaged during a naval attack on the island.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members; members of the Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Report by the Institute for Protection of the
cultural monuments, Zagreb.
Barry Marjanovich
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Knezgorica (Vukmanic parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne's Chapel (C category monument) was
completely destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
002 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 29, 1991; Komarevo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Catherine's Catholic Church was first
attacked on July 29, 1991. On October 3, 1991, the church was bombarded by
YU-Army planes, during which time its belfry and roof were damaged by
cluster and incendiary bombs. During the repeated attacks, the church roof,
belfry and upper walls were completely destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
003 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; Kriz (Hrastovica parish). SUMMARY OF
REPORTED CRIME: Holy Cross Chapel was hit by several mortars on September
20, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
004 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 18 and 20, 1991; Ladvenjak.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vitus' Catholic Church (built in the baroque
period) was attacked from artillery weapons and heavily damaged on
September 18 and 20, 1991. In the repeated attacks on October 24 and 29,
1991, the church was almost completely destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
005 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Letovanci (Komarevo parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George's Chapel (built in the 16th century)
was severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
006 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1991; Letovanic (Zazina parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Jesus Passion Chapel was damaged in December
1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
007 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lijevo Sredicko (Lasinja parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The belfry of Visitation of Mary Chapel was
destroyed. The church sustained further damage early in May 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
008 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 29, 1991; Lipik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church was
completely destroyed. Only the church bells remained intact. PERPETRATORS:
YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
009 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Logoriste (Karlovac-Kamensko parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Dorothea's Catholic Church was demolished in
November 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
010 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lonja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Saviour Church was destroyed bytank shells,
and burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
011 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lucica (Barilovecki Cerovec parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local chapel was demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
012 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 11, 1991; Mackovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Mathew's Catholic Church was first damaged
on July 11, 1991. The church belfry was pulled down, and the church was
destroyed in the missile attack in the period between September 20 and 23,
1991.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA Banja Luka Corps; members of Serb
irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
013 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Madjari (Komarevo parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martin's Chapel (built in 1900) was severely
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
014 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Majur (Kostajnica parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Michael's Chapel was mined and burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
015 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 4-6, 1991; Mala Gorica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George's Catholic Church sustained severe
damage in the mortar attacks on October 4-6, 1991, during which time the
church roof, the part of the belfry, and the wall facing the Kupa river
were destroyed. On October 6, 1991, a cluster bomb was dropped on the
village of Mala Gorica.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
016 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Mala Svarca (Kamensko parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Dorothea's Catholic Church was destroyed by
30 tank and mortar shells.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
017 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Martin (Nasice parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martin's Chapel (built in the 13th century,
zero category monument) was severely damaged on September 20, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
018 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 13, 1991; Miokovicevo (Gjulaves parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Spirit Parish Church was completely
demolished on December 13, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
019 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 18, 1991; Moscenica (Petrinja parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jacob's Chapel was severely damaged on
September 18, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
020 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 29, 1991; Mracaj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Beheading of St. John Chapel was burnt down on
August 29, 1991 (the day of the church feast).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
021 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; Nasice.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (built in
1707, zero category monument) was severely damaged on September 20, 1991,
during which time the church roof was set on fire and fell in while the
belfry collapsed and the bells melted in the fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
022 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 30, 1991; Nova Gradiska.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Stephen's Church (Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary) was damaged on September 30, 1991, and the church
roof and rectory were further damaged on October 13, 1991. St. Teresa's
Catholic Church (built in 1742, zero category monument) sustained severe
damage on November 8, 1991. Assumption of Mary Church was destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
023 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 5, 1991; Nova Varos.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Transfiguration of Jesus Catholic Church
(recently built) was completely demolished on September 5, 1991. The
baroque chapel in Nova Varos was also destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
024 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 4, 1991; Novska.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Luke's Catholic Church was first damaged on
October 4, 1991. It sustained further damage in the attacks on October 16
and November 13, 1991. St. Joseph's Cemetery Chapel was destroyed in
mid-October 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
025 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Okucani.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vitus' Chapel was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
026 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 20, 1991; Orubica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Elias' Catholic Church (recently renovated)
was hit by three mortars on November 20, 1991, during which time its
belfry, the west part of the roof and the rectory were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
027 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 1991; Pakrac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of Mary Church has been mined and
shelled several times since March 1991. The rectory was destroyed on
September 22, 1991. The church roof and one corner of the church building
were bombed on September 23, 1991. The church was set on fire on September
28, 1991. St. Joseph's Chapel was completely destroyed on March 15, 1991.
St. John Nepomuk's Chapel was damaged by shells on September 22, 1991, and
completely destroyed on September 29th of the same year.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
028 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 1992; Pecki (Cuntic parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Beheading of St. John Chapel (built in the 18th
century) was destroyed early in January 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
029 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION:October 1991; Poljana Pakracka (Gaj parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne's Chapel was damaged early in October
1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
030 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Poljane (Gornji Bogicevci parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Fabian and Sebastian's Chapel was completely
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 13.
031 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 3, 1991; Pokupsko.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Ladislaus' Church (built in 1739, recently
renovated and overlaid with copper) was heavily damaged on October 3, 1991,
during which time the church belfry and roof were destroyed, the church
organ burnt, the frescos were damaged, the church bells melted, and the
rectory was also damaged. The church tower was destroyed on November 2,
1991. The church sustained further damage in the attack on November 16,
1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
032 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Recica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
(built in 1739) was attacked on September 21, 1991, during which time the
church belfry was heavily damaged. The church sustained further damage in
the attack on November 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
033 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 6, 1991; Savski Bok (Mackovac parish). SUMMARY
OF REPORTED CRIME: Local chapel was destroyed on October 6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
034 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Sirac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of Mary Catholic Church (built in
1908) was damaged late in November 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
035 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 5, 1991; Sisak.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Cross Church (built in 1765) was severely
damaged in the attack on November 5, 1991, during which time the church
dome, entire interior, and the shrine were destroyed, while the church
altar was dashed to pieces.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
036 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: March/April 1991; Skakavac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Rochus' Parish Church and the
rectory were burnt down late in March, or early in April 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
037 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Skela (Glina parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas' Chapel was burnt along with the
entire village.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
038 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 3-6, 1991; Slana (Sisinac parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Catherine's Chapel was completely destroyed
in the period between October 3 and 6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
039 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 1-3, 1991; Slavonski Dubocac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Michael's Catholic Church was
damaged in the period between May 1 and 3, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
040 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 7, 1991; Stari Brod (Stari Farkasic parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martin's Chapel was demolished on October 7,
1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
041 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 5, 1991; Stari Farkasic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish
Church (built in the 19th century) was damaged on October 5, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
042 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 17, 1991; Stari Grabovac (Novska
parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Exaltation of the Holy Cross Chapel was damaged
on October 17, 1991. The church belfry and vaults were severely damaged on
the Christmas Eve of 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
043 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Stara Gradiska.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Michael's Catholic Church was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
044 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Staza (Sunja parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martin's Chapel was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
045 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 4-6, 1991; Strasnik (Gora parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Simon and Judas' Chapel was razed to the
ground in the period between October 4 and 6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
046 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Struga (Divusa parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local chapel was damaged by mortars.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
047 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 17, 1991; Sunja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church (built in
1748) was attacked three times by mortar and tank shells on August 17,
1991. The church was set on fire during the attack on November 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
048 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Svetice.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic
Church was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
049 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Sculac (Barilovecki Cerovec parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local chapel was destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 12.
050 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Sisinac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martha's Catholic Church (built in 1771) was
hit by a cluster bomb on September 21, 1991. The church sustained further
damage (the dome blown to pieces and the roof set on fire) on October 5,
1991, during which time it was hit by two tanks stationed on the other bank
of the Kupa river.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 14.
Barry Marjanovich
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1991; Borovo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church was first
attacked on August 2, 1991. On August 13, 1991, it was hit by two shells,
during which time the church roof was damaged and all windows were broken.
In the further attacks, the church was completely destroyed. St. Joseph the
Worker Chapel was severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
002 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Cross Parish Church (built in 1799, and
renovated in 1979, the registered cultural monument) sustained a
considerable damage. The church front and the roof were damaged, and the
side wall was pierced in a mortar attack.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
003 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Catherine's Chapel was damaged on September
22, 1991, and later it was hit at close range from a tank and completely
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
004 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (built in 1906, and
renovated in 1990) was severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
005 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Resurrection of Christ Church (built
in 1970) was severely damaged in a mortar attack on April 21, 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
006 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 7, 1991; Celije (Tordinci parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sacred Heart Church interior was completely
destroyed on July 7, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
007 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1, 1991; Dalj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph's Church (built in 1912) was severely
damaged on August 1, 1991, during which time a massacre was committed
against the Croatian civilian villagers of Dalj.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
008 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John the Baptist Parish Church (built in
1715, the registered cultural monument) was severely damaged, while the
rectory was burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
009 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local chapel in Divosevci was heavily damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
010 CROATIA - DjAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local church in Donje Novo Selo was heavily
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
011 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
(the 1st category monument) was damaged, and its entire inventory was
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - PAKRAC - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; Pakracki Vinogradi (east section of
Pakrac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: By mid-October 1991, in the Pakracki Vinogradi
area, the following Croatian civilians were killed:
1. Lucija Kroupa;
2. Zvonko Miler;
3. Zvonko Hunjat;
4. Dragica Hunjat;
5. Lazo Grubenic;
6. Ivo Smidt;
7. Zdravko Smidt;
8. Roza Tetes;
9. Djuro Tetes;
and another three unidentified persons.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit called "Territorial Defense
Unit of Western Slavonia": Nenad Bojic; Milan Kovacevic; Predrag Sarajlija;
Rajko Loncarevic; Drago Kovacevic, and Boro Relic. This murder of civilians
was ordered by Branko Pavic, a former deputy commander of the Pakrac police
station.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - PAKRAC - December 15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 15, 1991; the village of Japaga, Pakrac
district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On December 15, 1991, the following Croatian
civilians were killed in Marina Zvonaric's house in the village of Japaga:
1. Vlado Zvonaric;
2. Ankica Zvonaric;
3. Ante Validzic;
4. Ivo Latinski;
while another two persons were seriously wounded:
1. Marina Zvonaric;
2. Marija Validzic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit called "Territorial Defense
Unit of Western Slavonia": Mirko Djuric; Zeljko
Sokolovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - BENKOVAC - December 21, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 21, 1991; the village of Bruska (cca 14
kilometres northwest of Benkovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On December 21, 1991, around 7:30 p. m., members
of Serb irregular unit (31 soldiers, among whom was Bogdan Bagic) killed
ten civilian villagers of Bruska (nine Croatians and one Serb) in the
village of Bruska, Benkovac district. Members of Serb irregular unit
physically maltreated, and forcibly evicted other villagers of Bruska.
PERPETRATORS: Slobodan Bogunovic, Mile Bogunovic, Momir Bogunovic, Mirko
Bogunovic, Darko Bogunovic, Dragan Bogunovic, Bogdan Gagic, Cedo Gagic,
Neven Gagic, Dalibor Lukic, Stevo Milanko, Bogdan Milanko, Milos Milanko,
Miladin Milanko, Djordje Milanko, Mirko Milanko, Lazo Pupovac, Zeljko
Pupovac, Mile Pupovac (I), Veljko Pupovac, Gnjatija Pupovac, Milan Pupovac,
Mile Pupovac (II), Drago Pupovac, Slobodan Skokna, Dusan Skoric, Zoran
Skoric, Nikola Skoric, Cedo Skoric, Cedomir Skoric, Ruzica Vojvodic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral was attacked on
September 16, 1991, during which time the church front and roof were
damaged. Bishop's Palace (windows), Chapter House (front and windows) and
Seminary (windows) were also damaged in the same attack. Sisters of Holy
Cross Catholic Church (B category monument) was slightly damaged on
September 22, 1991. PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular
units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John Capistrano Subsidiary Church was
attacked, during which time the church roof, walls, and the belfry were
severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All Saints' Catholic Church was destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Trinity Church was severely damaged, during
which time its recently built belfry was
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local church was damaged, during which time all
of the church windows were broken.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local church was damaged on September 24, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jakob's Church (built in 1780) was severely
damaged in the September 21, 1991 attack, during which time the church roof
and the rectory were destroyed, while the walls and the bells were damaged.
Blessed Virgin Mary Church (built in 1866, recently renovated) was damaged
on September 21, 1991. On September 23, 1991, YPA tanks levelled the
church. YPA soldiers and chetniks consequently burnt down the church ruins.
Holy Cross Cemetery Church was demolished on September 23, 1991.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John Capistrano Catholic Church was shelled
twice, during which time the apse roof tiles and the edge of the roof were
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vendelin's Church (built in 1846, a
registered cultural monument) was attacked during which time the church
roof, belfry, walls and the rectory were damaged. The church was further
damaged in the repeated attack on April 9, 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph's Parish Church was slightly damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
011 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Rosalia Parish Church (built in 1904) was
attacked, during which time the church belfry, and roof were destroyed,
while the church walls were severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - PODRAVSKA SLATINA - September 4, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
(cca 15 kilometres southeast of Podravska Slatina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 4, 1991, members of Serb irregular
unit launched a fierce mortar and machine gun attack on the villages of
Cetekovac, Cojlug or Balinci. During the attack, many family houses and
farm-buildings were set on fire, and the Croatian population escaped from
the villages. Members of Serb irregular unit ambushed and killed 24
Croatian villagers of Cetekovac, in a machine gun barrage:
1. Ika Biskupic;
2. Ivan Biskupic;
3. Ivica Biskupic;
4. Juraj Borovac;
5. Josip Butorac;
6. Nikola Butorac;
7. Dusko Kosorg;
8. Adam Krupa;
9. Mijo Lovrenic;
10. Nikola Mandic;
11. Marija Maticic;
12. Milan Mlakar;
13. Zlatko Pincar;
14. Josip Potocnik;
15. Ivan Rukavina;
16. Manda Rukavina;
17. Marko Rukavina (I);
18. Marko Rukavina (II);
19. Franjo Sabo;
20. Marko Sabo;
21. Mile Starcevic;
22. Josip Tonc;
23. Terezija Troha;
24. Rozika Vlatkovic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit, among whom were:
1. Mladen Bukarica;
2. Zeljko Bukarica;
3. Milan Dragicevic;
4. Zarko Graonja;
5. Rajko Ivkovic;
6. Milan Romic;
7. Svetislav Romic;
8. Goran Romic;
9. Drazen Romic;
10. Zeljko Sekulica;
11. Zdravko Sekulica;
12. Neven Veselinovic;
13. Milan Veselinovic;
14. Rajko Vukadinovic;
15. Slobodan Zezelj.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - OGULIN - August 1, 1991 to November 12, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of a large number of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1 - November 12, 1991; Saborsko (cca 35
kilometres southeast of Ogulin).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between August 1 and November 12,
1991, members of Serb irregular police called "Martic's militia" and
members of Serb irregular unit called "chetniks" killed 41 Croatian
civilians in Saborsko. The killed were as follows:
1. Ana Bicanic - killed by knife;
2. Mile Bicanic - shot;
3. Nikola Bicanic - shot;
4. Petar Bicanic nicknamed "Bato" - hanged;
5. Petar Bicanic nicknamed "Krtan" - shot;
6. Polde Canjar;
7. Mile Corak;
8. Ante Dumencic;
9. Darko Dumencic;
10. Ivan Dumencic;
11. Jeka Dumencic;
12. Kata Dumencic - shot;
13. Nikola Dumencic - shot;
14. Kate Grdic;
15. Ante Kovacic;
16. Marija Krizmanic - burnt alive;
17. Marko Krizmanic;
18. Ivan Loncar - hanged and mutilated;
19. Mile Loncar - hanged and mutilated;
20. Ive Matovina;
21. Joso Matovina;
22. Kaja Matovina nicknamed "Kajina" - burnt alive;
23. Kaja Matovina nicknamed "Pedinova" - burnt;
24. Marta Matovina - burnt alive;
25. Mate Matovina;
26. Pere Matovina;
27. Stipe Matovina;
28. Nikica Palijan;
29. Mile Pavlic;
30. Mile Rupcic;
31. Ane Sertic - burnt;
32. Ankica Sertic;
33. Josip Strk;
34. Jura Strk - shot;
35. Dane Vukovic - killed by knife;
36. Ivan Vukovic - shot;
37. Jerka Vukovic;
38. Jure Vukovic nicknamed "Jura" - shot;
39. Jure Vukovic nicknamed "Zinko" - shot;
40. Marija Vukovic - burnt alive;
41. Slavko Vukovic - chopped to pieces by a power saw.
34 Croatian civilians disappeared from the Saborsko region in the same
period.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular police called "Martic's militia"
and members of Serb irregular unit called "chetniks", among whom were:
1. Djoko Jaksic;
2. Milos Jovetic;
3. Nikola Medakovic;
4. Miroslav Milakovic;
5. Milos Momcilovic;
6. Milan Pavlica;
7. Branko Supica;
8. Milan Vezmar.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - GRUBISNO POLJE - August 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and
civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 17, 1991; Grubisno Polje.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A mortar attack was launched on the centre of
the town of Grubisno Polje on August 17, 1991. Several persons were lightly
or seriously wounded by shell fragments.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit called "Bilogorski bataljon"
("The Bilogora Battalion"), part of the Serb irregular formation called
"12. slavonska udarna brigada" ("The 12th Slavonian Shock Brigade"), among
whom were:
1. Djordje Basic;
2. Milan Bastasic;
3. Dusan Bezbradica;
4. Nikola Bobic;
5. Darko Bosanac;
6. Rade Cakmak;
7. Milivoj Cakmak;
8. Branko Cortan;
9. Bogdan Cujo;
10. Dusanka Daljug;
11. Dusan Jelic;
12. Rade Kljaic;
13. Milan Kovacevic;
14. Milena Lalic;
15. Stanisa Lalic;
16. Borivoje Milasinovic;
17. Svetozar Obradovic;
18. Branko Popovic;
19. Njegovan Popovic;
20. Zarko Prodanovic;
21. Petar Radakovic;
22. Dusan Raseta;
23. Dusan Sabljic;
24. Lazo Savatovic;
25. Nikola Savic;
26. Tomislav Sladojevic;
27. Milenko Stojic;
28. Ilija Stojic;
29. Zivko Sukur;
30. Milorad Tihomirovic;
31. Stevo Vekic;
32. Mile Vuckovic;
33. Rade Vukovic;
34. Zarko Vukovic;
35. Nenad Vurdelja;
36. Zivko Zagorac.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - GRUBISNO POLJE - August 28, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful arrest of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 28, 1991; the village of Gornja Kovacica (cca 10
kilometres northwest of Grubisno Polje).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 28 1991; Milan Horvat, a Croatian
villager of Gornja Kovacica, was kidnapped by members of Serb irregular
unit called "Bilogorski bataljon" ("The Bilogora Battalion"), part of "12.
slavonska udarna brigada" (The 12th Slavonian Shock Brigade"), among whom
were Rajko Hajdinovic and Nenad Bizic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit called "Bilogorski bataljon"
("The Bilogora Battalion"), part of "12. slavonska udarna brigada" ("The
12th Slavonian Shock Brigade"), among whom were Rajko Hajdinovic and Nenad
Bizic. The commander of the so-called "Bilogora Battalion" was Rade Cakmak.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - PAKRAC - October 11, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful arrest, wounding, and killing of
civilians; eviction of non-Serb civilians and
destruction of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 11, 1991; Pakrac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 11, 1991, Joco Prokapic, Milan Bajic,
Mihailo Kulas and Milan Kulas tortured and killed Milan Svinjakovic (a
Croatian civilian) in the occupied section of Pakrac. Eight arrested
Croatian civilians were taken to
execution site, however they were not executed. Two female prisoners tried
to escape and were shot and wounded by Petar
Miljevic. Croatian residents were evicted from the occupied section of
Pakrac, and their houses were mined, by Branko Torbica, Nikola Zuber and
Ilija Gagic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit among whom were:
1. Milan Bajic;
2. Ilija Gagic;
3. Mihailo Kulas;
4. Milan Kulas;
5. Petar Miljevic;
6. Joco Prokapic;
7. Branko Torbica;
8. Nikola Zuber.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
001 CROATIA - PAKRAC - August-November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Infliction of serious bodily harm; killing
of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: August-November 1991; Bucje (cca 18 kilometres east of
Pakrac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the Serbian Democratic Party had
unlawfully established the so-called "SAO west Slavonia", Bucje was turned
into its administrative and military centre. Simultaneously, the detention
camp was opened in the same village, where captured local residents were
brought, interrogated, tortured and killed in the period between August
and November 1991. Among the killed prisoners were:
1. Zdravko Kolar;
2. Viktor Oblak;
3. Marijan Svjetlacic;
4. dr. Ivan Sreter;
5. Ilija Turkovic.
The camp authorities who ordered tortures and killings of prisoners were
Branko Pavic, Jovo Vezmar, Franjo Hrvat and
Cedomir Gacesa.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb self-proclaimed authorities of the unlawfully
established "SAO west Slavonia" among whom were: 1. Franjo Hrvat; 2.
Cedomir Gacesa; 3. Branko Pavic; 4. Jovo Vezmar.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Klakar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The roof of St. Jacob's Catholic
Church (1828) was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
002 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Komletinci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The roof, walls and belfry of Immaculate
Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Church (1812; cultural
monument) were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
003 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Koritna (Semeljci parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic Church in Koritna was severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
004 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lipovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The roof of St. Lawrence's Catholic Church
(1808) was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
005 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lipovaca.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic subsidiary church in Lipovaca was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
006 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13. 1991; Laslovo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic church in Laslovo was severely damaged
on September 13, 1991. The church belfry was destroyed on October 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
007 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; Lovas.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Michael's Catholic Church (1769) and rectory
were set on fire and destroyed on October 10, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
008 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Luc.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Mary Magdalene's Parish Church (1721,
cultural monument) was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
009 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Marinci (Nustar parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mary Church
was completely destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
010 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Mrzovic (Vrbica parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic subsidiary church in Mrzovic was
considerably damaged, during which time the church belfry was burnt down,
and the roof destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
011 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Nard (Valpovo parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local chapel in Nard was considerably damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
012 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Nijemci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Catherine's Catholic Church (the 15th
century) was shelled in the tank attack on September 21, 1991. The church
roof, walls, and belfry were considerably damaged in another attack, on
September 30, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
013 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Novi Bezdan (Novo Baranjsko Selo parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic subsidiary church in Novi Bezdan was
burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
014 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Novi Jankovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All Saints' Catholic Subsidiary Church was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
015 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991/1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991/ April 1992; Nustar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Spirit Catholic Church (1860, cultural
monument) was damaged in October 1991. The church belfry was completely
destroyed in April 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - OSIJEK - August 1, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
terror; unlawful imprisonment; forcible
displacement of non-Serb civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1 - October 8, 1991; Dalj, Erdut and Aljmas (cca
25 to 30 kilometres east of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between August 1st and October
8th, 1991, members of Serb self-proclaimed local government unlawfully
arrested and imprisoned Croatian and Hungarian civilians in the villages of
Dalj, Erdut and Aljmas.
Furthermore, they evicted non-Serb from their homes. In those three
villages, a large number of non-Serb civilians was killed, and their bodies
were transferred in trucks to Voivodina (near the village of Irig - cca 20
kilometres south of Novi Sad) where they were buried. Among the killed
civilians were as follows:
1. Pjetar Djevlekaj;
2. Ilija Galic;
3. a man nicknamed "Pista";
4. Stjepan Penic;
5. Nikola Tadijan.
On October 4, 1991, members of Serb self-proclaimed local government of the
so-called "Serb Autonomous Province of
Slavonia, Baranya and West Srijem" issued a declaration in the village of
Dalj. According to this declaration, all Croatian and Hungarian owned
personal and real estate in this region were nationalized, while the owners
were evicted. The chairman of the meeting of the self-proclaimed local
government was Milorad Stricevic - unlawfully elected minister for national
questions in Dalj.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb self-proclaimed local government among whom
were:
1. Zeljko Cizmic - unlawfully elected commander of irregular
police force of Dalj;
2. Slobodan Dosljanovic;
3. Danilo Jankovic;
4. Marko Loncarevic - unlawfully elected commander of irregular
armed forces of the so-called "Serb Autonomous Province (SAO) Slavonia,
Baranya and West Srijem";
5. Zarko Medic, doctor - issued pro-forma death certificates for killed
non-Serbs, under the diagnosis of a carcinoma.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 11, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Physical and mental maltreatment; forcible
eviction and/or killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 11 to December 24, 1991; Lovas (cca 17
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of Lovas, YPA soldiers and
members of a Serbian irregular unit called "Dusan Silni" (from Serbia)
physically and mentally maltreated, forcibly evicted and/or killed Croatian
civilians (villagers of Lovas), in the period between October 11 and
December 24, 1991. In this period, one woman was raped, the entire civilian
property looted, Croatian owned houses set on fire, and Croatian civilians
unlawfully imprisoned and forced to hard labour. Members of the
occupying force made fifty Croatian male civilians to walk across a mine
field. On that occasion, 17 Croatian civilians were killed and another 13
were wounded in the mine explosions. In the period between October 11 and
December 24, 1991, members of the occupying force killed 66 Croatian
civilians:
1. Mato Adamovic;
2. Zivan Antolic;
3. Cecilija Badanjak;
5. Katica Balic;
6. Luka Balic;
7. Luka Balic;
8. Marin Balic;
9. Mijo Bozic;
10. Zlatko Bozic;
11. Ivan Conjar;
12. Marko Damjanovic;
13. Andrija Devcic;
14. Pavao Djakovic;
15. Mirko Grgic;
16. Mato Hodak;
17. Rudolf Jonak;
18. Anka Jovanovic;
19. Ante Jovanovic;
20. Joso Jovanovic;
21. Mato Keser;
22. Ivan Kraljevic;
23. Josip Kraljevic;
24. Alojzije Krizmanic;
25. Djuka Krizmanic;
26. Vid Krizmanic;
27. Zoran Krizmanic;
28. Slavko Kuzmic;
29. Milan Latas;
30. Anica Lemunovic;
31. Ante Luketic;
32. Djuka Luketic;
33. Marija Luketic;
34. Petar Luketic;
35. Stipo Luketic;
36. Stipo Madjarevic;
37. Marijan Markovic;
38. Marinko Markovic;
39. Ivan Ostrun;
40. Ivan Palijan;
41. Franjo Pandza;
42. Antun Panjik;
43. Zlatko Panjik;
44. Kata Pavlicevic;
45. Darko Pavlic;
46. Zeljko Pavlic;
47. Jozefina Pavosevic;
48. Marijana Pavosevic;
49. Slavica Pavosevic;
50. Dragutin Peic;
51. Stipo Peic;
52. Alojzije Polic;
53. Josip Poljak;
54. Juraj Poljak;
55. Josip Rendulic;
56. Pero Rendulic;
57. Ivan Sabljak;
58. Marko Sabljak;
59. Tomislav Sabljak;
60. Darko Solakovic;
61. Mijo Salaj;
62. Slavko Strangarevic;
63. Josip Turkalj;
64. Bozo Vidic;
65. Ivica Vidic;
66. Marko Vidic.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of a Serb irregular unit
called "Dusan Silni", among whom was Ljuban Devetak.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - OSIJEK - April 20, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: April 20, 1992; Tenja (cca 8 kilometres southeast of
Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On April 20, 1992, eight members of a Serb
irregular unit displaced 75 Croatian villagers of Tenja. Croatian civilians
were forcibly loaded on a bus and driven to the first front-line (near the
local college of agriculture) on
the Tenja road. The displaced Croatian civilians were taken in and provided
for by Croatian Army soldiers.
PERPETRATORS: Eight members of a Serb irregular unit, among whom was Goran
Hadzic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - GRACAC - August 5, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
infliction of bodily harm; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 5, 1991; Lovinac (cca 20 kilometres northwest of
Gracac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 5, 1991, members of a Serb irregular
unit called "Velebitska Jedinica" ("Velebit Unit") launched a mortar attack
on the village of Lovinac, during which time they killed one civilian. One
reserve policeman and one civilian were wounded. Houses and farm-buildings
owned by the villagers of Lovinac were considerably damaged. That same day,
members of a Serb irregular unit took five villagers of Lovinac from their
homes and killed them on the location near the railway road, two kilometres
of Lovinac in the direction of the village of Raduc (northwest of Lovinac).
The list of the casualties from August 5, 1991:
1. Milan Dobric (injured);
2. Ivan Ivezic (killed);
3. Stjepan Katalinic (killed);
4. Marko Pavicic (killed);
5. Jura Sekulic (killed);
6. Milan Sekulic (killed by shell fragments);
7. Kaja Saric (injured);
8. Martin Saric (killed).
On August 20, 1991, members of a Serb irregular unit called "Velebitska
Jedinica" launched another mortar attack on Lovinac, during which time they
killed Marija Mataic from Lovinac.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit called "Velebitska Jedinica"
among whom were:
1. Petar Ajdukovic;
2. Bogdan Cubrilo;
3. Milan Cubrilo;
4. Milorad Cubrilo;
5. Radoslav Cubrilo;
6. Gojko Mrkailo;
7. Rade Ratulj;
8. Bogdan Sobat;
9. Milorad Zegarac.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
000 CROATIA - GRUBISNO POLJE - August 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful arrest and imprisonment; infliction
of heavy bodily harm; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 20, 1991; the village Topolovica (cca 18
kilometres north of Grubisno Polje).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 20, 1991, members of a Serb irregular
unit "Bilogorski Odred" ("Bilogora Unit") encircled the village of
Topolovica. After cutting off all road accesses, they entered the village,
and arrested eight Croatian villagers. At that time, they fired from
automatic guns on the windows and roof of Anka Kotaran's house, and threw
two hand grenades inside the house. J. S. and Anka Kotaran were seriously
wounded by fragments of the hand grenade. Mrs. Anka Kotaran died soon
after. The arrested Croatian civilians were as follows:
1. Matej Kotaran;
2. Vlado Lovrenec;
3. Zeljko Lovrenec;
4. Zdravko Mihalina;
5. Zeljko Selesi;
6. Milan Sraga;
7. Stjepan Sraga.
Members of a Serb irregular unit took seven arrested Croatian civilians to
the village of Velika Peratovica and detained them
in the old primary school. The village of Velika Peratovica is the
headquarters of a Serb irregular unit called "Bilogorski Odred". After the
retreat of the Serb irregular unit from the Grubisno Polje district, all
arrested civilians from the village of Topolovica disappeared. Only a dead
body of Zeljko Selesija was found in the basement of the Velika Peratovica
primary school.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit called "Bilogorski Odred",
commanding officer was Rade Cakmak.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - SLAVONSKI BROD - July 2 to July 31, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
infliction of bodily harm; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 2-31, 1992; Slavonski Brod.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between July 2nd and 31st, 1992,
members of a Serb irregular unit called "Vojska Republike Srpske" ("The
Army of Serb Republic") launched artillery attacks on the civilians and the
civilian property of
the Slavonski Brod district from the territory of the Republic of
Bosnia-Herzegovina. Five civilians were killed, and 27 other
persons wounded in the attacks. Many private and public buildings were
considerably damaged. The killed civilians were as follows:
1. Dragan Golic;
2. Jozo Knezevic;
3. Luka Mihalj;
4. Ivica Sprehaj;
5. Mijo Varoscic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit called "Vojska Republike
Srpske", stationed in the Republic of Bosnia-
Herzegovina (Bosanska Posavina).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Tenja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anne's Church was blown up in November 1991.
On January 15, 1992, the remains of the church were burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
002 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Tenjski Antunovac (Jovanovac parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local Catholic church in Tenjski Antunovac was
severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
003 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Tompojevci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church (1856) was
severely damaged, during which time the church front and belfry were
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
004 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 14, 1991; Tordinci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Matthew's Catholic Church (8th century) was
severely damaged on August 14, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
005 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Torjanci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Parish Church (1850) was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
006 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 22, 1991; Tovarnik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Matthew's Church (1804) was attacked from a
tank at close range, and later on completely destroyed and burnt down. The
church cemetery was desecrated.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
007 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Valpovo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Church and the rectory were slightly damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 18.
008 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 19/20, 1991; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The belfry of St. Philip and Jacob's Church
(1736, cultural monument) was set on fire on September 19/20, 1991. The
church was repeatedly attacked and damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 19.
009 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Cemetery Chapel was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 19.
010 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Rochus' Church was entirely destroyed in
November 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target", The
Croatian Information Centre, 1992, p. 19.
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - PETRINJA - August 15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians; mutilation. TIME AND
LOCATION: August 15, 1991; Kraljevcani (cca 17 kilometres south of
Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 15, 1991, members of a Serb irregular
unit launched an armed attack on civilian villagers of Kraljevcani, during
which time most of the villagers abandoned the village. Upon arriving in
the village, the attackers killed five Croatian civilians (villagers of
Kraljevcani):
1. Marija Pipalovic;
2. Nikola Pipalovic;
3. Ana Sustic;
4. Nikola Sustic;
5. Marija Turkovic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - PETRINJA - August 16, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians; mutilation. TIME AND
LOCATION: August 16, 1991; Pecki (cca 9 kilometres southwest of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 16, 1991, members of Serb irregular
units arrested four Croatian civilians (villagers of Pecki), who returned
to the village of Pecki with the intention to feed their livestock, killed
them and mutilated their bodies:
1. Ivan Bugarin;
2. Djuro Horvat;
3. Mato Horvat;
4. Stjepan Horvat.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - OBROVAC - September 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement and/or killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; Obrovac district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In 1991 (beginning with September 20, 1991),
members of Serb irregular units and members of irregular police called "SAO
Krajina Militia" or "Martic's Unit" committed a series of crimes against
the Croatian civilians in Obrovac district: they forcibly displaced
civilians, unlawfully arrested civilians, looted and destroyed civilian
property, destroyed churches (Catholic), killed Croatian civilians. 48
Croatian civilians were killed in Obrovac district:
- 12 civilians were killed in the village of Zaton Obrovacki;
- 2 civilians were killed in the town of Obrovac;
- 8 civilians were killed in the town of Jesenice;
- 4 civilians were killed in the town of Krusevo;
- 22 civilians were killed in the village of Medvidja.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units; members of
irregular police, among whom were:
1. Cedo Alavanja;
2. Predrag Alavanja:
3. Simo Alavanja;
4. Stevo Alavanja;
5. Bosko Badza;
6. Slobodan Badza;
7. Zeljko Badza;
8. Sretko Cavlin;
9. Dusan Colakovic;
10. Boro Cude;
11. Petar Cude;
12. Strahinja Dobric;
13. Damir Dopudj;
14. Ilija Dopudj;
15. Pajo Dopudj;
16. Petar Dragicevic;
17. Darko Dubroja;
18. Bogdan Gagic;
19. Bosko Gagic;
20. Mile Gak:
21. Vasilj Gak;
22. Jovica Gnjatovic;
23. Milan Guzvica;
24. Djurko Jaksic;
25. Djordje Jelic;
26. Branko Jokic;
27. Pajo Jokic;
28. Stojan Jokic;
29. Dragan Komazec;
30. Todor Komazec;
31. Zdravko Komazec;
32. Stevo Macakanja;
33. Stanko Macura;
34. Darko Milanko;
35. Mima Milanko;
36. a person called Milanko (nicknamed "Ticar");
37. Predrag Milanko;
38. Sretko Milanko;
39. Stevo Milanko;
40. Branko Oluic nicknamed "Coin";
41. Milos Oluic;
42. Petar Oluic;
43. Zeljko Paravinja;
44. Jovan Poljak;
45. Dule Prso;
46. Djurdjica Prso;
47. Mileta Prso;
48. Stanko Prso;
49. Bosko Pupovac;
50. Mile Pupovac;
51. Hamzo Tokalic;
52. Petar Veselinovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
004 CROATIA - ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991; Skabrnja (cca 18 kilometres east of
Zadar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On November 18, 1991, members of Serb irregular
units killed 41 Croatian civilians in the village of Skabrnja, by means of
heavy and light fire arms, knives and hand grenades. Bodies of the killed
civilians remained unburied. Traces of mutilation and torture were found on
several bodies.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units, among whom were:
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
005 CROATIA - SIBENIK - March 1, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 1-26, 1992; Piramatovci (cca 33 kilometres north
of Sibenik).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: March 1-9, 1992, members of Serb irregular units
killed by knife spouses Ceronja (Croatian
civilians) in their family house in the village of Piramatovci. March
10-12, 1992, members of Serb irregular units threw into a
deep well Milan Pipunic, a Croatian civilian, in the village of
Piramatovci. The victim drowned. March 20-26, 1992, members of Serb
irregular units set fire to Ceronja family house in the village of
Piramatovci, during which time the bodies of the killed spouses were also
burnt down. The following civilians were killed in the village of
Piramatovci:
1. Mara Ceronja - killed by knife;
2. Jere Ceronja - killed by knife;
3. Milan Pipunic - drowned in a well.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - PODRAVSKA SLATINA - August 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful arrest and imprisonment; physical
and mental maltreatment; rape.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1991; Sekulinci (cca 25 kilometres southwest
of Podravska Slatina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 26, 1991, seven members of a Serb
irregular unit (dressed in YPA uniforms) forcibly entered I. N.'s house in
the village of Kraskovic (west section of Orahovica district). They were
led by Drago Starjas. Upon entering the house, they arrested B. N.,
forcibly took her and locked her up in a metal container in the village of
Sekulinci (where the main headquarters of Serb irregular units in west
Slavonia was located). The victim was detained there for 38 days. During
the detention period, B. N. was repeatedly raped and maltreated both
physically and mentally.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit led by Drago Starjas.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
001 CROATIA - GLINA - September 1, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Inhuman treatment towards prisoners;
infliction of serious bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1, 1991; Glina prison.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of a Serb irregular unit, Ranko Pralica
and Stanko Palancan, spent the period between early September 1991 and
February 1992 in the Glina prison, where they interrogated imprisoned
Croatian civilians and members of the Croatian Army. They brutally
physically and mentally maltreated prisoners during the interrogation
procedures. Three prisoners were beaten to death:
1. Ivan Gregurevic;
2. Ivan Palajic;
3. Stjepan Simsl.
Another three prisoners disappeared after the maltreatment:
1. Joso Kauric;
2. Borislav Litvic;
3. Milan Litvic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - GRUBISNO POLJE - September 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of imprisoned civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 17, 1991; Bukovica forest (cca 19 kilometres
northeast of Grubisno Polje).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On April 9, 1993, members of the Grubisno Polje
police station found bodies of 14 civilians killed by members of the Serb
irregular "Bilogorski Odred" ("Bilogora Unit") in the Bukovica forest
(located between the villages of Loncarica and Turcevic Polje). The victims
were killed approximately on September 17 or 18, 1992. Shreds of clothes
were found beside their bodies. Their arms were tied, and they were shot in
the heads, point blank. 13 victims were identified in the Zagreb Institute
for Forensic Medicine and Pathology. The fourteenth victim could not be
identified. The victims were Croatian civilians, residents of the villages
in the Grubisno Polje district, who were abducted from their homes and
fields by members of the Serb irregular "Bilogorski Odred", late August,
early September 1991, and were held in detention in the village of Velika
Peratovica (the unit headquarters). The victims are as follows:
1. Milan Bilovic (born 1956) from the village of Velika Barna;
2. Martin Grdic (born 1939) from the village of Velika Barna;
3. Ivan Jan (born 1956) from the village of Velika Barna;
4. Matej Kotoran (born 1935) from the village of Topolovica;
5. Josip Kujek (born 1951) from the village of Zrinska;
6. Ivan Leksic (born 1942) from the village of Gornja Rasenica;
7. Vlado Lovrenc (born 1965) from the village of Topolovica;
8. Zeljko Lovrenc (born 1963) from the village of Topolovica;
9. Damir Ljubicic (born 1966) from the village of Topolovica;
10. Zdravko Mihalina (born 1966) from the village of Topolovica;
11. Milan Sraga (born 1953) from the village of Topolovica;
12. Stjepan Sraga (born 1948) from the village of Topolovica;
13. Vladimir Spiranac (born 1955) from the village of Velika Barna.
Remains of the victims were buried on April 20, 1993, at the
Catholic cemetery in Grubisno Polje.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units called "Bilogorski Odred"
("Bilogora Unit").
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: April 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Tied and Shot in the Head". April 21, 1993 issue of "Vecernji List"
daily, p. 6. Title: "Sad Day in Grubisno Polje". Documents currently kept
in the archives of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Eusebius and Polion's Church (1772, cultural
monument) was repeatedly attacked and damaged. September 14, 1991, the
church roof and belfry were hit and damaged. September 18, 1991, further
damage.
September 24, 1991, cluster bomb dropped directly on the rectory. November
20, 1991, the top of the belfry destroyed; the walls and stained-glass
windows damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 18.
002 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas the Wayfarer Church hit by a shell
on September 24, 1991, the rectory damaged as well.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, pp. 18-19.
#003 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 7, 1991; about 11:00 a. m.; Vinkovci. SUMMARY OF
REPORTED CRIME: Holy Heart of Mary Church and monastery were hit from a
multiple rocket launcher on September 24, 1991. Huge hole (3 metres wide)
was made on the church roof. All the windows were broken.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 19.
004 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vincent Palotti's Church (recently built)
was hit by a shell. The church interior and stained-glass windows were
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 19.
005 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Cyril and Methodius' Church (recently built)
was hit by a hit by a mortar shell launched from the direction of Mirkovci
on September 24, 1991. The church roof, windows and walls were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 19.
006 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph's Subsidiary Church was heavily
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 19.
007 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local cemetery chapel was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 19.
008 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters Adorators of Little Jesus Chapel was
severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 18.
009 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 17, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John Nepomuk's Catholic Church (B category
monument) was damaged on September 17, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 18.
010 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 19/20, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Philip and Jacob's Church (1736, cultural
monument) was damaged on September 19/20, 1991, during which time the
church belfry was set on fire. The church was repeatedly damaged later.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 19.
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - PAKRAC - August 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and
civilian property; killing, imprisonment, forcible displacement
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 19, 1991; Pakrac, Lipik, Prekopakra.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 19, 1991, members of a Serb irregular
unit called "12. Slavonska Udarna Brigada" ("12th Slavonian Shock Brigade"
launched an artillery and infantry attack on Pakrac, Lipik and Prekopakra.
After occupying parts of the above-mentioned towns, members of the Serb
irregular unit terrorised Croatian civilians, carried out unlawful arrests
and imprisoned several civilians in the Bucje concentration camp, where
some of them were killed. The civilian property was either stolen or
destroyed. During the armed attack on the above-mentioned towns, the
considerable damage was done, and a large number of persons were killed or
seriously wounded.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serb irregular unit called the "12. Slavonska
Udarna Brigada", among whom were:
1. Ninko Adamovic;
2. Milos Bajic;
3. Ljubomir Banjeglav;
4. Ilija Bodegrajac;
5. Stevo Bojceta;
6. Cedomir Bojcic;
7. Savo Bosanac;
8. Vladimir Bosic;
9. Bogdan Dabic;
10. Milan Drakulic;
11. Nikola Dragusin nicknamed "Niger"
12. Veljko Dzakula;
13. Dobrivoj Ecimovic;
14. Stevo Kojadinovic;
15. Nikola Kosijer;
16. Luka Krajnovic;
17. Milan Loncar;
18. Bosko Malenic;
19. Slobodan Milicevic;
20. Simeon Milkovic;
21. Vladimir Pavlica;
22. Milan Petkovic;
23. Dusan Popovic;
24. Bosko Pralica;
25. Dragan Prodanovic;
26. Zeljko Prodanovic;
27. Dragan Rusmir;
28. Ranko Slavujevic;
29. Nenad Srdjenovic;
30. Milan Stojanovic;
31. Sava Seatovic;
32. Stojan Teodorcevic;
33. Teso Tesic;
34. Nikola Tomic;
35. Ljuban Vezmar;
36. Vladimir Vukasovic;
37. Veljko Vukovic;
38. Nenad Vurdelja;
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - BELI MANASTIR - August 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Psychophysical maltreatment, forcible
displacement and/or killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 20, 1991; Beli Manastir district (Baranja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 20, 1991, YPA soldiers occupied the
Beli Manastir district (part of Croatia called
Baranja), and established illegal civilian authorities consisting
exclusively of militant Serbs. Since that day, members of the
illegal Serb authorities have committed numerous crimes against civilians
of Croatian and Hungarian nationality (who lived in
Beli Manastir district). Those crimes included psychophysical maltreatment,
threats and intimidation, groundless dismissals
from work, forcing to hard work, eviction from houses, looting of civilian
property, and murders, and they were carried out with
the intention to displace Croat and Hungarian civilians from Beli Manastir
district and in this way create ethnically clean Serb
area.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular authorities among
whom were:
1. Mile Bekic;
2. Milan Bogunovic;
3. Stevan Delic;
4. Bosko Dubaic;
5. Mladen Horvat;
6. Blagoja Kusic;
7. Milutin Lazar;
8. Jakov Malivuk;
9. Slavko Marjanovic;
10. Milos Markovic;
11. Bosko Miljevic;
12. Branko Miljevic;
13. Milan Mrdja;
14. Dragisa Radic;
15. Bosko Radovanovic;
16. Savo Stojanovic;
17. Dragomir Tosic;
18. Radoslav Zdjelarevic;
19. Borivoj Zivanovic;
20. Damir Zuzic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
NOTE: The Census Commission of the Beli Manastir district gathered the
following data on the basis of the results of the
census, and by order of the illegal Serb authorities in the district
(administered by Borivoje Zivanovic), and published them in the so-called
"Sluzbeni List" ("Official Bulletin") of the Beli Manastir district.
According to those data, the total number of the residents of the Beli
Manastir district until March 25, 1992 was 39,482: 23,458 Serbs, 7,689
Croatians, 6,926 Hungarians, 213 Montenegrins, 1,196 others. According to
the official results of the 1991 census, published by the Republic
Institute for Statistics in April 1992, under no. 881, p. 48, it is evident
that the total number of residents who lived in the Beli Manastir district
until March 31, 1991 was 54,265: 22,740 Croatians, 13,851 Serbs, 8,956
Hungarians, 240 Montenegrins, 8,478 others. Upon comparing the results of
those two censuses (1991 and 1992) it becomes evident that 24,390 persons
is missing: 15,051 Croatians, 2,030 Hungarians, 27 Montenegrins, and 7,282
others. One the other hand, the number of Serb residents increased by
9,607.
003 CROATIA - VRGINMOST - September 11, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 14, 1991; the village of Ponikvari (cca 20
kilometres southeast of Vrginmost).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between early August 1991 and
September 14, 1991, members of a Serb irregular unit, led by Simo Roknic,
set on fire and destroyed residential and farm buildings owned by local
Croatians, during which time they caused a considerable damage. By such
actions of members of a Serb irregular unit made life to Croatian civilians
unbearable and those civilians were forced to abandon their village and
move to free sections of the Republic of Croatia. Since September 14, 1991,
there have been no Croatian residents in the village of Ponikvari.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit, among whom were:
1. Milan Bakic;
2. Nikola Bakic;
3. Stanko Cica;
4. Milutin Dotlic;
5. Miodrag Dotlic;
6. Ratko Jugovic;
7. Djuro Kolundzija;
8. Jovan Ljubicic;
9. Dubravko Rodic;
10. Simo Roknic;
11. Borivoje Sapic:
12. Bogdan Trkulja.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
NOTE: According to the data of the 1991 census, the village of Ponikvari
had 712 inhabitants: 353 Croatians, 324 Serbs, 35
others.
004 CROATIA - OSIJEK - February 15, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful arrest and imprisonment of
civilians; forcible displacement of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: February 15, 1992; the villages of Sodolovci and
Koprivna (cca 15 kilometres south of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On February 15, 1992, members of a Serb
irregular police unit called "Arkan's Militia", provided with small arms,
barged into Croatian owned houses in the villages of Sodolovci and
Koprivna. Eight Croatians were forcibly evicted from their homes and
imprisoned in Mile Radovic's house. The prisoners were afterwards moved to
Kojo Stanisavljevic's house, where they were detained two days and two
nights, during which time they were maltreated, humiliated and interrogated
by members of the irregular "Arkan's Militia". On February 17, 1992,
another 15 Croatian civilian villagers of Sodolovci and Koprivna were
brought and imprisoned in Koja Stanisavljevic's house. On February 18,
1992, members of the irregular "Arkan's Militia" took 23 prisoners from the
house, loaded them on the trucks covered with canvas and escorted them to
the village of Paulin Dvor, where they were taken off the trucks, lined up
and forced to walk towards the village of Hrastin, controlled by the
Croatian Army. The prisoner at the head of the column had to carry a white
flag.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the irregular police unit called "Arkan's Militia"
among whom were:
1. Luka Milosavljevic;
2. Milan Miljkovic;
3. Srecko Radovanovic;
4. Zeljko Raznjatovic nicknamed "Arkan";
5. Zoran Stojcic;
6. Stojan Zivkovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - VRGINMOST - August 15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mental and physical maltreatment of
civilians; looting and destruction of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 15, 1991; the village of Ponikvari (cca 20
kilometres southeast of Vrginmost).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In August 1991, Gojko Kljajic, a member of a
Serb irregular unit, participated in mental and
physical maltreatment of Croatian civilian villagers of Ponikvari, looting
of their property, and setting their houses on fire.
In the same period, Petar and Simo Marjanovic, also members of a Serb
irregular unit, forcibly entered a family house in the
village of Ponikvari (owned by a married couple of Croatian nationality)
and unlawfully searched the place. Then they
forcibly took the owners of the house to the nearby hedge, where they tied
them, humiliated them and maltreated them both mentally and physically.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit: Petar Kljajic, Petar and
Simo Marjanovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - VRGINMOST - August 25, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and civilian
property; destruction of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 25, 1991; the village of Ponikvari (cca 20
kilometres southeast of Vrginmost).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In early July 1991, Serb villagers organized
themselves, abandoned Ponikvari and formed an irregular unit. On August 25,
1991 they launched an attack on Croatian civilians and civilian property in
the village of Ponikvari. During the attack one person was wounded, while
many residential and farm buildings were set on fire and destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit, among whom were:
1. Dragan Divic;
2. Dragica Divic;
3. Dusan Divic;
4. Ilija Divic;
5. Pajo Divic;
6. Petar Divic;
7. Stojanka Divic;
8. Gojko Miscevic;
9. Marko Miscevic;
10. Milan Miscevic;
11. Mile Miscevic;
12. Pavao Miscevic;
13. Slavko Miscevic;
14. Stevan Miscevic;
15. Vlado Miscevic;
16. Tihomir Rakaric;
17. Jovan Zutic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - VRGINMOST - August 28, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mental and physical maltreatment of
civilians; destruction of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 28, 1991; the village of Ponikvari (cca 20
kilometres southeast of Vrginmost).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 28, 1991, members of a Serb irregular
unit, led by Zoran Dotlic and armed with automatic guns, entered the
village of Ponikvari, unlawfully searched a Croatian owned family house,
and mentally and physically
maltreated members of a household. After that they set hay stacks to fire.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit among whom were:
1. Petar Divic;
2. Zoran Dotlic;
3. Mico Ivosevic;
4. Bogdan Jarcov;
5. Ratko Jugovic;
6. Petar Marjanovic;
7. Simo Marjanovic;
8. Milan Roknic;
9. Aleksandar Vorkapic;
10. Gojko Vorkapic;
11. Stevo Vorkapic;
12. Milan Zutic;
13. Nikola Zutic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
004 CROATIA - BJELOVAR - September 29, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and civilian
property; wounding and/or killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 29, 1991; Bjelovar district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 29, 1991; Milan Tomic and other YPA
officers ordered their soldiers to fire on the civilians and civilian
property, private and community owned buildings in Bjelovar, from all
available arms. 43 persons were
killed during the attack, and several buildings were considerably damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers among whom were:
1. Milan Aleksic;
2. Moman Andreic;
3. Miroslav Anicic;
4. Todor Ankijev;
5. Nikola Antonovic;
6. Mijo Arlovic;
7. Sasa Babic;
8. Robert Beker;
9. Ranko Bolta;
10. Vuk Brajkovic;
11. Dragan Branovic;
12. Pravoslav Cepic;
13. Djordji Conevski;
14. Boro Cujic;
15. Dejan Cukljevic;
16. Petar Dimitrijevic;
17. Bozidar Dobricic;
18. Branimir Dragan;
19. Zlatko Djuric;
20. Ilija Evic;
21. Slavko Gasic;
22. Boris Gavranovic;
23. Radivoj Glusac;
24. Dragan Gnjatovic;
25. Dragan Golic;
26. Stanimir Golubovic;
27. Suad Hamidovic;
28. Nermin Haracic;
29. Zehrudin Hodzic;
30. Dusan Ignjatic;
31. Dragoslav Ilic;
32. Radivoje Jovic;
33. Muharem Jusic;
34. Tibor Kristovac;
35. Branislav Krstic;
36. Djordje Kulezic;
37. Radovan Kumric;
38. Nenad Maricic;
39. Stevica Markov;
40. Branko Markovic;
41. Goran Markovic;
42. Mihil Marku;
43. Spiro Matijevic;
44. Zoran Matovic;
45. Milan Mihic;
46. Milanko Milic;
47. Vojo Milosevic;
48. Adam Milovanovic;
49. Dragan Mitic;
50. Mehmed Mulalic;
51. Ilija Nikic;
52. Dragan Nikolic;
53. Naum Nikolov;
54. Dragan Novakovic;
55. Vladimir Paramentic;
56. Gojko Pavlovic;
57. Sreto Pavlovic;
58. Zivota Pavlovic;
59. Radoslav Perisic;
60. Jovica Petkovic;
61. Goran Petrovic;
62. Stojan Popovic;
63. Vladimir Prelic;
64. Dragoljub Radovic;
65. Slavisa Raic;
66. Boro Randjelovic;
67. Dusan Rankovic;
68. Goran Rastovic;
69. Ratko Ravojski;
70. Vlade Ristevski;
71. Zeljko Rjasnoj;
72. Robert Senevski;
73. Elvir Smajlovic;
74. Sladjan Stamenkovic;
75. Stojadin Stamenkovic;
76. Vukasin Stanisavljevic;
77. Dragan Stankovic;
78. Milan Stevanovic;
79. Milos Stevanovic;
80. Dobrivoje Stoiljkovic;
81. Momcilo Stojanovic;
82. Zvezdan Stojiljkovic;
83. Branko Stojkovic;
84. Zoran Santic;
85. Saner Serifi;
86. Nenad Sindrak;
87. Dragan Todoric;
88. Slavko Todorov;
89. Sasa Todorovic;
90. Milan Tomic;
91. Milorad Tomic;
92. Adem Tukic;
93. Rasim Veladzeic;
94. Miljan Veselinovic;
95. Slavko Vinaji;
96. Zoran Vujinovic;
97. Dane Vujnovic;
98. Goran Zagorac;
99. Dragan Zaklan;
100. Djuro Zastavnikovic;
101. Kemal Zukurlic;
102. Vladimir Zivkovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1991; Bilaj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jacob's Catholic Church was severely damaged
in a mortar attack on September 8, 1991. On September 11, 1991, the church
was completely destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
002 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Brlog.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic
Church in Brlog was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
003 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; Canak.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Rosalia's Catholic Church was damaged in
October 1991. Further damage followed in the period between December 6 and
12, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
004 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991; Dreznik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church was damaged
on October 8, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
005 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 30, 1991; Gospic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic
Church was damaged on August 30, 1991, during which time the top of the
church belfry was destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
006 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1991; Kompolje.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Stephen's Catholic Church was damaged on
September 23 or 24, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
007 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 17, 1991; Kuterevo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was damaged on
October 17, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
008 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1991; Licki Novi.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Church was damaged on
September 12, 1991. The church was set on fire on September 17, 1991,
during which time the church walls were damaged in part, while the St.
Anthony statue burnt down, and the church belfry was destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
009 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 29, 1991; Licki Osik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph's Catholic Church (recently
renovated) was initially damaged on August 29, 1991. On September 1, 1991,
the church was further damaged in a heavy artillery and mortar attack.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
010 CROATIA - RIJEKA-SENJ ARCHDIOCESE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Licko Lesce.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Licko
Lesce was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 56.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - DARUVAR - May 11th, 1994
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing; wounding of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 11th, 1994; Batinska Rijeka, Daruvar
district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the village of Batinska Rijeka,
near Ljuban Dzelalija's abandoned house, four unidentified
persons dressed in camouflage uniforms and armed with automatic
guns with silencers intercepted and imprisoned eight civilian
residents on May 11th, 1994, around 10:00 p. m. They threatened
them with guns, tied their arms on the back with wire,
interrogated and maltreated them. After that they took them
inside a barn. Around 10:30 p. m., they fired at civilians point blank
during which time five civilians were killed, two were
wounded, while the eighth prisoner by the name Jure Idzanovic
(born 1973) managed to escape unharmed. The killed are as
follows:
1. Mate Barisic (born 1968);
2. Drago Idzanovic (born 1976);
3. Zdravko Ivancic (born 1938);
4. Pejo Jurisic (born 1963);
5. Mirko Subotic (born 1968).
The wounded are as follows:
1. Alojz Jurisic (born 1970);
2. Mato Subotic (born 1978).
PERPETRATORS: Four unidentified armed persons.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Articles and statements of survived
victims published in the May 13th 1994 issue of "Vecernji List" daily,
pp. 6-7. Title: "Serbian Terrorists Killed Five Croats". Document
currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: The crime took place in UNPA zone West (under control of
the Argentine UN Battalion).
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Lisicic (Perusic parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic subsidiary church in Lisicic was mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
002 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 21st, 1991; Medvidja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John the Baptist Parish Church was destroyed
on November 21st, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
003 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20th, 1991; Miocic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local Catholic church in Miocic was
utterly destroyed on September 20th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
004 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September/October 1991; Murvica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Church (built 1892) was attacked on September 28th,
1991, during which time the church north wall, part of the front and the
belfry were damaged. The church was further damaged in
the attack on October 5th/6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
005 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20th, 1991; Nadin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
was hit by bullets fired point-blank from a YPA tank, during
which time the sacristy and inventory were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
006 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Novigrad.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local church and cemetery in Novigrad were
mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
007 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Nunic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
and the Rectory were mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
008 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Perusic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was
demolished.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
009 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1991; Podgradina.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Spirit Church (built 1990) was
hit by three special projectiles fired from the direction of
Islam Grcki, 2.5 kilometres away from it, on September 13th,
1991. The church roof burnt down. The church was further damaged in the
attack on September 19th/20th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
010 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Podprag (Jasenice parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
011 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 18th, 1991; Polaca.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Cosimo and Damian's Church
(consecrated 1989) was damaged on September 18th, 1991, during
which time the rectory was also damaged, while the biggest bell
in the belfry burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
012 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Polaca.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local Catholic Church in Polaca was
mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
013 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Popovici.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
was mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
014 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October/December 1991; Posedarje.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Mary's Parish Church was first
damaged on October 6th, 1991. It sustained further damage on
December 31, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
015 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 17th, 1991; Pridraga.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: New Local Parish Church in Pridraga
was entirely destroyed on March 17th, 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
016 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 17th, 1991; Pridraga.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Martin's Catholic Church (built in the 11th
century, zero category monument) was entirely demolished on March 17th,
1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
017 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 5th, 1991; Pristeg.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin
Mary Church was damaged by mortars on October 5th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
.
Barry Marjanovich
Processing Data on the Liberation War
Opaticka 10, Zagreb, Croatia
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mental and physical
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12th 1991; Glina prison turned
into a concentration camp (the so-called KPD Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 12th, 1991, YPA
soldiers stationed in the army barracks in Bosanska Kostajnica
(B-H) launched an attack on Hrvatska Kostajnica, a town on the
territory of the neighbouring Republic of Croatia. During this
attack they captured 45 Croatian policemen and escorted them
to the Glina prison which they had turned into a concentration
camp. The Glina camp was administered by a member of a self-
proclaimed illegal artifice called "SAO Krajina". The captured Croatian
policemen were denied basic medical treatment, and
they underwent mental and physical maltreatment during which
time most of the prisoners sustained serious physical
injuries. After 51 days of imprisonment, 42 Croatian policemen
were exchanged (November 1st 1991) while three policemen
remained imprisoned in the camp M.B., D.V., and I.V.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers stationed in the army barracks in
Bosanska Kostajnica; irregular camp authorities and guards in
Glina.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mental and physical
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12th 1991; Manjaca camp (near
Banja Luka, Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 12th 1991, YPA
soldiers stationed in the army barracks in Bosanska Kostajnica
(B-H) launched an attack on Hrvatska Kostajnica (Croatia)
during which time they captured 138 Croatian policemen (active
and reserve police units). YPA soldiers disarmed the Croatian
policemen and took them over the border to the B-H territory,
where they detained them in the Manjaca concentration camp
(near Banja Luka). The camp supervisor was a YPA soldier.
During their stay in the camp, the prisoners were denied basic
health care, and they were daily mentally and physically
maltreated by camp guards (YPA soldiers). Many prisoners were
seriously injured. After 59 days of imprisonment (November 9th
1991), the prisoners were exchanged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers stationed in the army barracks in
Bosanska Kostajnica; YPA soldiers who worked as camp guards in
the Manjaca camp; a YPA official acting as the camp
supervisor.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Inhuman conduct and mental and
physical maltreatment of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 15th 1991; "Tvrdava" and "Stara Bolnica" in
Knin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In September 1991, members of an
irregular police unit called "Martic's militia" (Niksa Beara, Zeljko
Bjedov,
Petar Krivic nicknamed "Cipo", Nikola Misina and Dusan Novakovic
worked as guards in Knin prisons "Tvrdava" and "Stara Bolnica".
The above mentioned individuals actively participated in mental and
physical
maltreatment and torture of imprisoned Croatian civilians and members of
the Croatian
police force.
PERPETRATORS: Members of an irregular police force called
"Martic's militia":
1. Niksa Beara;
2. Zeljko Bjedov;
3. Petar Krivic nicknamed "Cipo";
4. Nikola Misina;
5. Dusan Novakovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - KNIN - November 15th 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mental and physical
maltreatment; killing of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 15th 1991 to May 30th 1992; the
military prison in Knin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between November 15th
1991 and May 30th 1992, imprisoned Croatian civilians,
Croatian Army soldiers and members of the Croatian police
force were mentally and physically maltreated in the Knin
military prison by the following individuals: Bosko Sinobad
(the warden of the military prison), Jovo Orlovic (the deputy
warden of the military prison), Duro Boric and Stevan Bukarica
(guards in the military prison). The number of prisoners who
died as the consequence of physical maltreatment is yet
unknown.
PERPETRATORS: Members of irregular prison authorities in the
Knin military prison:
1. Duro Boric - prison guard;
2. Stevan Bukarica - prison guard;
3. Jovo Orlovic - deputy warden;
4. Bosko Sinobad. - warden.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - KNIN - November 15th 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mental and physical
maltreatment; infliction of bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 15th 1991 to May 30th 1992; Knin
district prison.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between November 15th
1991 and May 30th 1992, imprisoned Croatian civilians,
Croatian Army soldiers and members of the Croatian police
force (all citizens of the Republic of Croatia) were mentally
and physically maltreated in the Knin district prison by the
following individuals: Ilija Tauz (the warden of the district
prison), Gliso Kljajic and Srdan Potkonjak (prison guards).
PERPETRATORS:
1. Gliso Kljajic - prison guard;
2. Srdan Potkonjak - prison guard;
3. Ilija Tauz - warden.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives
of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20th 1991; Nasice.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Franciscan Monastery in Nasice was
severely damaged on September 20th 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
002 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 5th 1991; Osijek (Osijek I).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vincent Paulinas', Sisters of
Mercy Convent was damaged on September 5th 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
003 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek (Osijek III).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters of St. Vincent Residence
was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
004 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1st 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Capuchins' Monastery in Osijek was
damaged on November 1st 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
005 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 10th 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Franciscan Monastery at Tvrda was
damaged in a mortar attack on September 10th 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
006 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 3rd 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Franciscan Monastery at the Holy
Family Church was damaged on November 3rd 1991, during which
time mortar shells pierced the church roof.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
007 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13th to 16th 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Jesuits' Residence in Osijek was
damaged in the period between September 13th and 16th 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
008 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek (Osijek II).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters of Holy Cross Residence in
Osijek II was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
009 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek (Osijek V).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters of Holy Cross Residence in
Osijek V was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
010 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters of Mary (Pejacevic's)
Residence was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
011 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters of Mary Residence (Dvorac)
was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
012 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sisters of Mercy Residence was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
013 CROATIA - DAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Osijek.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Basilian Nuns Convent and Chapel
was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
014 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 2nd 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Daughters of God's Love Convent was
hit on September 2nd 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
015 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and
church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Pridraga.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Nuns' Residence in Pridraga was
mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 85.
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anastasia's Catholic Cathedral was first
attacked and riddled with bullets on October 2nd, 1991. In the night attack
on November 18th, 1991, the YPA Air Force bombed the church, and caused
damage to central and lateral naves. One
of the projectiles made a huge hole in the roof and fell onto the church
organ, which had been renovated the year before.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 66.
002 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Chrysogonus' Catholic Church
(built in 1175) was damaged by shell fragments and bullets fired from the
YPA Navy ships on September 30th and October 1st 1991,
during which time several columns of the church gallery were
damaged as well as the roof above the central and the northern
lateral naves. The church was further damaged in the YPA Air
Force attack on November 18th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
003 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Queen of Peace Parish Church in
Stanovi was damaged on September 21st, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
004 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter's Catholic Church in Ploce, built in
the preromanic period (zero category monument) was first damaged on
September 30th, 1991, during which time its roof was
destroyed, while all windows and doors were shattered. The shells pierced
two holes (1 metre wide) on the church belfry. The church cemetery was also
damaged. The church was further damaged on June 5th/6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
005 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter's Parish Church (recently
built) was seriously damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
006 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Simon's Catholic Church (built in the 12th
century) was damaged on October 5th, 1991, during which time a section of
the ceiling was demolished, while a shell
pierced a large hole through the church roof. The church was
further damaged in the attack on November 19th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
007 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Roof-tiles on St. Francis' Catholic
Church were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
008 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Roof-tiles on St. Nicholas' Catholic
Church were damaged. The church was further damaged on April 29th 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
009 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The roof of St. Rochus' Catholic
Church was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
010 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph's Catholic Church and
Rectory at Plovanija were damaged on October 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
011 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic
Church at Belafuza was slightly damaged on October 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
012 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Arbanas
was slightly damaged on October 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
013 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic
Church at Debeljak was damaged in the attack on October 6th, 1991, during
which time the church windows were shattered.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
014 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John's Catholic Church was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
015 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Catherine's Catholic Church was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
016 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The belfry and rectory of the new
local Catholic church (still not completed) were damaged on
October 3rd, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
017 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church was mined
on January 4th, 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter's Subsidiary Church in
Atlagic Tower was mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
002 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The bead-moulding in St. Rochus'
Catholic Church in Bibinje was damaged by machine gun bullets on September
23, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
003 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John's Catholic Church (built in
1988) was damaged on September 18, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
004 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Simon and Tadeus' Catholic Church with the
Chapel and the Cemetery at Bokanjac was completely
destroyed and burnt down on October 6, 1991. The church cemetery was
damaged on October 23rd, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
005 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of the Rosary Church was
seriously damaged in the attack on October 5/6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
006 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas' Church and the Rectory
were mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
007 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (A
category monument) was hit by two tank shells on September 22, 1991, during
which time its northern wall was destroyed. On
October 6, 1991, the church side walls were destroyed, and the
roof was pierced in two places. The cemetery was also destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
008 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Michael's Catholic Church in
Ervenik was mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
009 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Rochus' Catholic Church at Rogovo was
damaged by shells.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
010 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John the Baptist Church (built in 1988) was
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
011 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas' Catholic Church was
seriously damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
012 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The front of St. Hieronymus' Church
was damaged on September 11, 1991. St. Francis Catholic Church on Velebit
was mined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
013 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Immaculate Blessed Virgin Mary
Catholic Church was damaged from grenade launchers on August 26, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
014 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin
verified since the parish is under occupation).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
015 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was
which time it was mined. The church roof was set on fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
016 CROATIA - ZADAR ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George's Catholic Church was
attacked by YPA artillery and air force on August 26 and 27.
Around Christmas (December 25, 1991) the church was mined and
burnt down. The explosive devices were placed in the church
belfry.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target",
.
Barry Marjanovich
PROCESSING DATA ON THE LIBERATION WAR
Opaticka 10, 41000 Zagreb, Croatia
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Physical and mental maltreatment; torture
and inhuman treatment.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 30th, 1991; Medak (cca 15 kilometres southeast
of Gospic).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between September 30th
1991 and October 4th 1991, Milorad Lazic and three other members of a Serb
irregular unit stationed in Medak tortured M.M., an
imprisoned member of Croatian police (Gospic police precinct).
On September 30th, 1991, the above mentioned four members of a Serb
irregular unit attacked two Croatian policemen M.M. and Milan
Mihaljevic who were driving along Gospic-Bilaj road in a Croatian police
vehicle. One Croatian policeman (Milan Mihaljevic) was
killed in the clash, while the other was captured and taken to
Medak. At that time, one of the strongholds of Serb irregular units was in
Medak.
The captured M.M. spent five days in confinement during which time he was
constantly physically and mentally maltreated and tortured by the persons
who captured him.
PERPETRATORS: Milorad Lazic and other four members of a Serb
irregular unit stationed in Medak.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VOJNIC - October 1st 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Physical and mental maltreatment; torture
and infliction of bodily harm; killing of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1st 1991; Vojnic prison (cca 27
kilometres southeast of Karlovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Former employees of Karlovac district prison
(Serbs by nationality) Zeljko Knezevic, Milan Kosijer, Mirko Dokic and
Dragomir Bozic joined the irregular militia unit called "SAO Krajina
militia" or "Martic's unit" in August 1991. Knezevic, Kosijer and Dokic
worked as jail keepers in Vojnic, and Dragomir Bozic was furthermore
appointed the warden of the prison. Dragomir Bozic (while working as a
warden) and the above mentioned three
guards allowed the unofficial investigators, members of Serb
irregular units, members of irregular "SAO Krajina militia" (or "Martic's
unit"), YPA soldiers and members of the irregular Serb Territorial Defense
Unit to enter cells and maltreat, beat, and
torture prisoners of Croatian nationality. Several prisoners were killed,
several others died as the consequence of maltreatment. The above mentioned
guards actively participated in all above mentioned war crimes against
prisoners in the period between October 1st 1991 and February 1992. Eleven
prisoners of Croatian nationality were physically and mentally maltreated
during this period, and two of them died as the consequence of brutal
maltreatment:
1. Josip Gojak;
2. Nikola Papa.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the irregular militia unit called "SAO Krajina
militia" or "Martic's unit":
1. Dragomir Bozic (the warden of the Vojnic prison);
2. Mirko Dokic (a prison guard in Vojnic);
3. Zeljko Knezevic (a prison guard in Vojnic);
4. Milan Kosijer (a prison guard in Vojnic).
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA/B-H - DUBROVNIK/TREBINJE - October 21st, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Physical maltreatment; infliction of serious
physical injuries.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 21st, 1991; YPA barracks in Trebinje
(town in the southeast of B-H, cca 37 kilometres northeast of
Dubrovnik).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Beginning with October 21st 1991 Pero Miljevic,
a YPA soldier, maltreated the wounded, the ill and the prisoners of war
from Dubrovnik district area, mostly of Croatian nationality.
A member of Croatian police, who was captured by YPA soldiers and detained
in the YPA barracks in Trebinje, was taken by Pero
Miljevic into a separate room, where Miljevic physically maltreated him and
caused serious injuries to the prisoner's health.
PERPETRATORS: Pero Miljevic, a YPA soldier, and commanding officers in the
YPA barracks in Trebinje.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Trinity Church was damaged by shell
fragments.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
002 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter's Catholic Church was
destroyed on September 16th, 1991. The church and its belfry in
particular were made the first targets of the attack, and the
rectory was also demolished at that time.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
003 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church was
first damaged on October 7th, 1991, during
which time the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary sustained serious damage.
The church roof was further damaged in the shelling on
November 10th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
004 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of Srima Church (A category
monument) was slightly damaged on September 24th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
005 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vitus' Catholic Church, near Sibenik bridge,
was shelled and damaged on September 17th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
006 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Cemetery Church was damaged by mortars.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 65.
007 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jacob's Cathedral (15th century) was damaged
on September 17th, 1991, during which time all windows were broken. The
dome of the cathedral was hit and pierced in the YPA navy attack on
September 18th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
64.
008 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Francis' Catholic Church was damaged in the
attack on September 19th/20th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
009 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Michael's Catholic Church at St.
Anne's Cemetery was damaged in the attack on September 19th/20th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units..
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", Croatian
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
010 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas Tavelic's Catholic Church, the well
known pilgrimage site, was attacked on September 20th,
1991, during which time the church roof and belfry ornaments were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
011 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John's Catholic Church was damaged in the
attack on September 19th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
012 CROATIA - SIBENIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of Griblje Catholic Church (B category
monument) was slightly damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 64.
013 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK - November 8th 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of scientific
institutions.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 13th, 1991; Frano Bulica Street no. 4,
Dubrovnik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the general attack on Dubrovnik and its
historic core "Stari Grad" ("Old Town") YPA navy systematically destroyed
historic buildings by heavy artillery shells and other projectiles.
The Scientific Library of the Interuniversity Centre in Frano
Bulica Street was literally razed to the ground, while the library holdings
burnt down.
Prior to the war, the library holdings included:
- 25,000 volumes
- 200 various periodicals (including the Library for American
Studies containing 2,000 titles, and a profuse Slavic collection).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Croatian Libraries on Target", National and
University Library, 1992, p. 12. Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
014 CROATIA - PETRINJA - July 27th 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of cultural monuments and
cultural heritage.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 27th, 1991; village Hrvatski Cuntic no. 26 (cca 10
kilometres south of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb irregular units set on fire and
destroyed the Franciscan monastery, church and library on July 27th, 1991.
Prior to this destruction, the library holdings contained 3,000 volumes and
10 various periodicals and papers. The library holdings also comprised
documents dating from the 18th and the 19th centuries.
The damage was estimated on 2,000,000 German marks.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units.
EVIDENCE: Publication: "Croatian Libraries on Target", National and
University Library, p. 16. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
.
Barry Marjanovich
> *************************
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; the city of Vukovar, sectioncalled
Sajmiste.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In November 1991, following the occupation of
the city of Vukovar by YPA and Serb irregular joint forces, many mass
executions of civilians were executed repeatedly. YPA junior officer Jovan
Savic, the commander of the YPA special forces, ordered his soldiers to
search houses and basements, mainly occupied by civilians, in the section
of Vukovar called Sajmiste. During one such search, Jovan Savic and his
unit found ten civilians hiding in a basement. Jovan Savic forced them out
of the basement, and he killed one male civilian as a warning to the
others. Then he ordered the civilians to return to the basement. After they
did so, Jovan Savic put two hand grenades called "kasikare", with pulled
out safety pins, into hands of two tied up Croatian Army soldiers and
forced them into the basement. After the explosion, Jovan Savic entered the
basement and shot the survivors.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers led by Jovan Savic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 - CROATIA - GLINA - August 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting of civilian property; destruction of
civilian and state property.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 18, 1991; about 10:00 a. m.; the village of Maja
(cca 10 kilometres southeast of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 18, 1991, about 10:00 a. m., members
of a Serb irregular unit (40 of them, out of whom 19 have been identified)
entered the village of Maja, led by Dusan Gavrilovic. Upon entering the
village, they searched family houses and looted civilian property. They
physically maltreated a Croatian civilian M. M. and threatened to kill him.
On the same day, members of the Serb irregular unit destroyed the local
Catholic church, the village club and the store, and they set
fire to several Croatian owned family houses and farm buildings.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit, out of whom 20 were not
identified, while the identified perpetrators were as
follows:
1. Milan Dabic;
2. Mirko Dabic;
3. Milan Galjen;
4. Dusan Gavrilovic;
5. Dragan Jakovovic;
6. Nikola Janus;
7. Stanko Jelic;
8. Stojan Jelic;
9. Djuro Pavlica;
10. Milan Podunavac;
11. Dragan Prusac;
12. Milan Radakovic;
13. Milan Sladovic;
14. Dusan Spanovic;
15. Milan Spanovic;
16. Stevo Varkas;
17. Jovica Vincic;
18. Momir Vukicevic;
19. Slavko Zrakic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
NOTE: According to the 1991 census official results, the village of Maja
had the total population of 274:
249 Croatians,
6 Serbs,
5 Rumanians,
14 others.
002 - CROATIA - GOSPIC - September 1, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property;
infliction of wounds and/or killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1-September 16, 1991; the city of Gospic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between September 1 and 16, 1991,
YPA commanding officers ordered YPA soldiers to fire on Gospic city
districts from artillery and infantry arms, during which time many
civilians were killed, while many others were wounded. During the attacks,
several residential and industrial buildings in private and communal
ownership were destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA commanding officers stationed in Gospic, among whom were
as follows:
1. Dusko Bajic;
2. Bogdan Basaric;
3. Milos Bogdanovic;
4. Tomo Cacic;
5. Slobodan Dotlic;
6. Dane Drakula;
7. Marcel Dusper;
8. Goce Koneski;
9. Jovo Kupresanin;
10. Dragoljub Lazarevic;
11. Bratislav Milojkovic;
12. Stevo Milosevic;
13. Bogdan Odanovic;
14. Radovan Radenkovic;
15. Relja Tomic;
16. Mico Vasic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 - CROATIA - VRGINMOST - September 14, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 14, 1991; Topusko (cca 18 kilometres southeast
of Vrginmost).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 14, 1991, Serb irregular units
occupied Topusko. Following the occupation, Milan Sokolovic, a member of a
Serb irregular unit, participated in the mining of Visitation of Mary
Catholic Church in Topusko, as well as of the rectory and the dean F. H.'s
house. He also participated in the murder of civilians. The killed were as
follows:
1. Ivan Abramovic from the village of Velika Vranovina;
2. Jana Ferderbar from the village of Velika Vranovina;
3. Vid Ferderbar from the village of Velika Vranovina;
4. Mijo Jelkovic from Topusko;
5. Kata Jelkovic from Topusko.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit among whom was
Milan Sokolovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
004 - CROATIA - SINJ - September 30, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting of civilians; destruction of
residential buildings.
TIME AND LOCATION: September/October 1991; the village of Maovice (cca 38
kilometres northwest of Sinj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since the end of September 1991, members of a
Serb irregular unit led by Savo Bura have looted civilian property owned by
Croatian villagers of Maovice. During October 1991, members of a Serb
irregular unit led by Jovo Vranjkovic looted and set fire to Croatian owned
family houses in the village of Maovice.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular units, among whom were as follows:
1. Savo Bura;
2. Bozo Cvitkovac;
3. Milan Cvitkovac;
4. Sava Cvitkovac;
5. Zoran Cvitkovac;
6. Dragan Djuric;
7. Dujica Erakovic;
8. Ilija Erakovic;
9. Zeljko Erakovic;
10. Nikola Krecak;
11. Rajko Krickovic;
12. Milan Maljkovic;
13. Nikola Maljkovic;
14. Dragan Petkovic;
15. Bozo Primetica;
16. Milan Primetica;
17. Jovo Vranjkovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
005 - CROATIA - SLUNJ - November 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting of civilian property; destruction of
residential and farm buildings.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 20, 1991; the village of Komesarac (cca 22
kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During November and December 1991, members of a
Serb irregular unit led by Milo and Pero Milanovic looted civilian property
and set fire to residential and farm buildings owned by Croatian and Muslim
villagers of Komesarac (Srednje Selo and Trnova hamlets).
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit, among whom were as follows:
1. Mile Blanusa;
2. Nikola Blanusa;
3. Rade Blanusa;
4. Bogdan Cosic;
5. Milan Milanovic;
6. Mile Milanovic;
7. Pero Milanovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
006 - CROATIA - SLUNJ - December 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting of civilian property; destruction of
residential and farm buildings.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 20-25, 1991; the village of Komesarac (cca 22
kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the period between December 20 and 25, 1991,
members of a Serb irregular unit led by Rade Rakinic looted the remaining
property, and set fire to residential and farm buildings owned by Croatian
and Muslim villagers of Komesarac (Savic Selo hamlet).
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit, among whom were as follows:
1. Mirko Krmar;
2. Cedomir Rakinic;
3. Rade Rakinic;
4. Slobodan Rakinic;
5. Borivoj Savic;
6. Dragan Savic;
7. Ljubomir Savic;
8. Milan Savic;
9. Dusan Zubovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
001 CROATIA - NOVA GRADISKA - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Torture and inhumane treatment.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991; the Stara Gradiska camp (cca 25
kilometres southwest of Nova Gradiska).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During October 1991, Milan Spanovic, a member of
a Serb irregular unit, interrogated Croatians imprisoned in the Stara
Gradiska prison. During interrogations, he physically and mentally
maltreated prisoners.
PERPETRATORS: A member of a Serb irregular unit, who operated as an
investigator in the Stara Gradiska prison: Milan Spanovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
NOTE: Upon attacking the Republic of Croatia (April/May 1991), YPA soldiers
and Serb irregular units formed the concentration
camp on the location of the former Stara Gradiska prison, where they
imprisoned Croatian civilians, Croatian Army soldiers and
members of the Croatian police force.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Bijace (Our Lady of Angels parish, Trogir).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The roof of St. Barbara's Church was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
002 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 15, 1991; Gornje Selo (the island of Solta).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was damaged
in the YPA air force attack on November 15, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA air force pilots.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
003 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 26, 1991; Hrvace.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All Saints' Catholic Church was attacked in the
mortar attack on September 26, 1991, during which time the church roof and
the cemetery were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
004 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Jezevic (Vrlika).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Salvation Catholic Church (C category
monument) was broken into and damaged by rifle bullets.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
005 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 26, 1991; Kastel Stafilic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church (1st category
monument) was damaged on September 26, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
006 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Maljkovo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Name of Jesus Church was burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
007 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 25, 1991; Split.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Trinity Catholic Church (built in 11th
century; zero category monument) was slightly damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
008 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 15, 1991; Split.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church (the
5th-6th centuries) was attacked by the YU-Army navy boat. The projectile
fired from the boat made a huge hole in the church wall. PERPETRATORS: YPA
soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
009 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 15, 1991; Split.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Francis' Catholic Church was slightly
damaged in the attack on November 15, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
010 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 17, 1991; Vrlika.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church was
broken into and the statues were smashed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
011 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Zasiok-Bitelic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60.
012 CROATIA - SPLIT-MAKARSKA ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Zedno-Arbania (Ciovo island).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Cross Catholic Church (zero category
monument) was damaged on September 21, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on Target",
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 60..
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
# 001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced expulsion of
inhabitants.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991, location Tovarnik (approx.
23 km southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Self-proclaimed local Serbian
authorities in Tovarnik spent several days forcing the
inhabitants to leave their homes. The witness was compelled
to sign a "statement" in the town hall leaving his entire property and
"voluntarily" departing his permanent place of residence to settle in free
Croatian territory. In the town
hall office, during the signing, there was, apart from the
witness, one of the town hall staff Rada Saponja. The witness
also had to sign a similar "statement" in the office of the local
community hall in Tovarnik in the presence of Aco
Trifunovic.
PERPETRATORS: Self-proclaimed Serbian authorities in Tovarnik
among whom are Rada Saponja and Aco Trifunovic.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Intimidation and terrorization
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: 29.06.1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The inhabitants of Serbian
nationality of Stara Tenja armed themselves with rifles, put
on blue coveralls and patrolled the streets and gardens. They
set up sentry posts and did not permit free movement in the
village. They told the Croats: "What are you waiting for.
Leave while you still can. There is no room for Croats
here!".
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians (Serbian nationality),
inhabitants of Stara Tenja.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Intimidation and terrorization
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: 30.06.1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:On Sunday 30.06.1991, armed
civilians of Serbian nationality in Stara Tenja placed
barricades between Stara Tenja and Nova Tenja, near the
petrol station. The barricades were constructed out of sand
bags and trenches had been dug around them. Croats were
forbidden to enter or leave Stara Tenja.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians (of Serbian nationality),
inhabitants of Stara Tenja.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A "Sloboda" kiosk was blown up and a pastry shop
owned by a man of Albanian nationality was set
fire to. Inhabitants of Stara Tenja of Serbian nationality
boasted that they were responsible for both incidents. They
also set fire to the saw-mill because its owner Tolic (of
Serbian nationality) refused to take part in demonstrations
against Croatian authorities.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians (of Serbian nationality),
inhabitants of Stara Tenja.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Intimidation and terrorization
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:The witness reveals information on
the organized arrival of various Serbian paramilitary
formations to Stara Tenja. He saw some 30 young men, members
of the "Jovic" units, who moved into the house of an expelled Croat in
Marsal Tito Street (across the road from No. 8).
Members of the so-called "Martic" police units moved into the hall at the
end of the village which had formerly been used
for wedding receptions. The witness often watched through the
window as quarrels broke out among members of the "Jovic" units and
sometimes guns were fired. The local Orthodox
priest would often come to calm them down.
PERPETRATORS:Members of paramilitary formations know as
"Jovicevci" and "Marticevci".
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Intimidation and terrorization
of civilians, theft of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 10.07.1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:Armed civilians of Serbian
nationality and members of the so-called Serbian police
(irregular police units) entered houses inhabited by Croats
and confiscated their telephones. The witness recognized
Branko Grkovic (born 1954) who introduced himself as the
local police chief. The police told them: "This will be
Serbia, you should go to Osijek, that's where Croatia will
be!". All telephone connections with Stara Tenja were cut on 10.07.1991.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians (of Serbian nationality) from
Stara Tenja and Branko Grkovic, local police chief.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Illegal imprisonment, physical
maltreatment and infliction of bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:Armed civilians of Serbian
nationality (they had various Serbian insignia on their
sleeves) took Croat civilians to the cinema hall in Stara
Tenja and beat them. The witness watched from his window as
they led an elderly lady called Marija and several men. While
they were beating one of the young men, painful howling could
be heard. The next day the witness saw the same young man
lying with his blood-covered head in the lap of an elderly
woman. The witness took a photograph of the cinema hall yard
and both victims and perpetrators may be recognized on the
photo. The witness later discovered that the above mentioned
group of prisoners were subsequently taken to the village of
Celije and executed.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians (of Serbian nationality) from
Stara Tenja.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Intimidation and terrorization
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:Branko Grkovic, Stara Tenja's
local police chief arrived at the house of the witness and
took her to the police headquarters, which was in the cinema
hall for interrogation. There were no other prisoners in the
hall as they had all been taken to an unknown destination.
Grkovic questioned the witness and threatened to execute her
for cooperating with "ustashas" in Osijek. He claimed she had a radio
station and that she reported all events in Stara
Tenja to the Croatian Army. She was not executed as she was
subsequently exchanged.
PERPETRATORS: Branko Grkovic, Stara Tenja's local police
chief.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Intimidation of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness saw armed civilians of
Serbian nationality in Stara Tenja break the windows of V.S.
(a Serbian women by nationality) from Stara Tenja, slash her
bicycle tyres, and write "ustasha" on her house wall. She was married to a
Croat and constantly under threat. They threw a
little package through her window. Inside was a bullet, a
picture and the message: "This is from Milosevic!", as a result of which
she suffered a nervous breakdown.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians of Serbian nationality from
Stara Tenja.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Murder.
TIME AND LOCATION: 18.08.1991, in Glina.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:An attack by members of the YPA and
Serbian paramilitary formations was carried out on Glina on
26.06.1991, when the police station was attacked. From that
day onwards, civilians of Croatian nationality were
constantly in panic, hiding wherever they could. The witness
claims that one of the worst days was 18.08.1991, by which
time most of the Croats had already been expelled. On this
day Ilija Petrovic was killed while working in his combine
harvester in the fields.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA and Serbian paramilitary
formations.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Taking of hostages.
TIME AND LOCATION: 05.09.1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:The witness, together with three
other local women of Croatian nationality were under house
arrest from 30.06.1991 to 06.09.1991. Members of Serbian
paramilitary formations known as "Arkanovci" came for them and took them to
the barricades between Stara Tenja and Nova
Tenja, where they were to be exchanged for the bodies of
three Serbs. The exchange was carried out in person by Zeljko
Raznjatovic known as "Arkan" because among the dead was the body of his
wife's cousin. Since the exchange was not
successful, "Arkan" ordered Osijek to be attacked with cannon gun fire.
The witness heard this order being given
herself. "Arkan" then told the ladies: "Ladies, this time it was not
successful, we will come for you at 5 o'clock and
then you will go to Osijek". The exchange was carried out
subsequently and a foreign journalist brought the coffins. He
had to open the coffins and the witness and the other three
prisoners were forced by "Arkan" to look at the naked bodies. PERPETRATORS:
Members of the Serbian paramilitary units known
as "Arkanovci" and Zeljko Raznjatovic "Arkan". EVIDENCE: Audio tape
recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Infliction of great suffering
and bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: End of September 1991, Tovarnik (approx.
23 km southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Towards the end of September,
1991, the witness met and spoke to a civilian of Croatian
nationality from Tovarnik, Tomislav Ivkovic, known as Subasa.
While speaking to him, he noticed a large cut on his neck and
wounds on his head. Tomislav Ivkovic told him that armed
civilians had attempted to cut his throat.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians of Serbian nationality from
Tovarnik.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal imprisonment and
forced labour.
TIME AND LOCATION: End of September 1991, Tovarnik (approx.
23 km southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness and several other
civilians of Croatian nationality from Tovarnik had been
forced by armed civilians of Serbian nationality to repair
damages to houses owned by Serbs (for instance Aco
Trifunovic). After work, the Croats would be returned to
prison. The local Serbian para-authorities of Tovarnik
converted the house of Dr Dorde Cvejic into a prison, in
which they imprisoned civilians of Croat nationality from
Tovarnik.
PERPETRATORS: Local Serbian para-authorities and armed
civilians of Serbian nationality from Tovarnik.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
the archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Attack on civilians and
civilian property.
(approx. 10 km north of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A YPA fighter jet launched
missiles on civilian houses in Mala Solina and in the hamlet
Sesinac. Because of these rocket attacks, the witness,
together with a part of the village inhabitants of Croatian
nationality were forced to leave their place of residence.
Some of the inhabitants remained behind and the witness later
discovered that some of them had been killed. These are:
1. Ana Ceftaric
2. Jaga Ceftaric
3. Josip Ceftaric
4. Nikola Ceftaric
5. Ruza Ceftaric
6. Mara Dujmic
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA and Serbian paramilitary
formations.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
# 014 CROATIA - GLINA - 01.10.1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Attack on civilians and their
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 01.10.1991, the village of Gornji Selkovac
(approx. 10 km northwest of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:On 01.10.1991, a group of four or
five YPA fighter jets flew over the village of Gornji
Selkovac. At one point, one of them separated itself from the
others and launched missiles on the village. The same group
of jets also targeted the neighbouring village Vidusevac and
several civilians were killed. Those who survived left
Vidusevac. The same day, the village of Rastenica and Sesinac
were attacked with artillery fire.
The inhabitants of the village Gornji Selkovac were forced to
leave their place of residence. The only people to remain
were the three members of the Pejo Cekovic family. The
witness discovered subsequently that all three were killed
when Serbian paramilitary units entered the village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA and Serbian paramilitary
formations.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
# 015 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: The murder of a civilian.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991, Tovarnik (approx. 23 k
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness was currently doing
forced labour in Tovarnik on the roof of a house owned by a
Serb. From the roof of the house he saw two armed Serbs
escorting a local inhabitant - Rudo Rappa. One of the armed
Serbs was Sava Ivanovic of Tovarnik. The next day, the
witness noticed the dead body of Rudo Rappa on a tractor
trailer, which was usually used by the Serbs for transporting
dead bodies to burial sites.
PERPETRATORS: Two armed civilians of Serbian nationality from
Tovarnik, one of whom was Sava Ivanovic.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
# 016 CROATIA/BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - SLUNJ/KLJUC -
18.11.1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Taking people to prison camps
and other illegal imprisonment.
TIME AND LOCATION: 18.11.1991, Slunj/Kljuc.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:After the attack on Slunj, a part
of the Croat inhabitants fled to Cazin. On 18.11.1991, a
convoy of eighteen buses (with refugees from Slunj) left
Cazin towards Dalmatia. The convoy reached Kljuc (in B-H) and
was stopped there by members of irregular police units known
as "milicija SAO Krajina" who forced 180 males of Croatian nationality to
leave the convoy and placed them under arrest.
Among those arrested was the witness. The prisoners were
transferred to the prison in Stara Gradiska, where they were
beaten and interrogated. Some of them died as a result of the
physical abuse. One man died three days upon arrival. The
witness saw his neighbour who was shot in the legs as he
attempted to escape. He was later beaten and then never seen
again. The witness was released on 12.12.1991 in Karlovac
among a group of 83 prisoners.
PERPETRATORS: Members of irregular police units known as
"milicija SAO Krajina", guards in the Stara Gradiska prison. EVIDENCE:
Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
# 017 CROATIA - SLUNJ - December, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and
their property.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1991, Donji Ladevac (approx. 6 km
east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Just before Christmas 1991, four
armed men in uniforms entered the house of the witness in
Donji Ladevac. One of them had the insignia of the "milicija SAO Krajina"
police on his sleeve. They mistreated the Croats who were in the house,
stole their possessions and opened
fire on the witness' brother, who luckily was not hit.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the irregular police units known as
"milicija SAO Krajina".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
# 018 CROATIA - GLINA - 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, murder of
civilians, theft of possessions.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1992, the village of Dolnjaki
(approx. 8 km southeast of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:The village of Dolnjaki was
attacked by members of the YPA and Serbian paramilitary
formations in December 1992. The village was looted and set
on fire. Milan Petrovic was killed while melting fat. The
witness saw the dead body of Ilija Krkac. He saw no wounds on
his body but noticed he was wet, so he does not know the
cause of death. The witness lists the names of the remaining
killed:
1. Stevo Krkac
2. Pero Likovic
3. Niko Namic
4. Pero Namic
5. Pero Pavic from the village of Maja
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA and Serbian paramilitary
formations.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
# 019 - CROATIA - GLINA - 19.05.1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Illegal imprisonment of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: 19.05.1993, the village of Svracica
(approx. 12 km southeast of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:On 19.05.1993, the witness was
arrested and taken to Glina to prison (to the former
correctional institution). He was arrested by Ilija Bjelajac
and a man unknown to him (tall, with a moustache). In prison,
the witness recognized two of his investigators: Milan
Ljiljak and Zoran known as "Zoks". The witness was tried on 29.07.1993, (in
the presence of his parents) and sentenced to
forced labour until 21.06.1994. The group the witness was in
did various manual jobs: burying the dead, feeding the pigs,
picking the cabbage... The guard who led his group was called
Lazo Vujaklija of the village of Obljaj. The witness was
released from prison on 21.06.1994, through the mediation of
the ICRC.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serbian paramilitary units among
whom are: Ilija Bjelajac, Lazo Vujaklija from Obljaj, and
prison investigators Milan Ljiljak and Zoran known as "Zoks". EVIDENCE:
Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
III. WAR CRIMES AGAINST THE WOUNDED AND ILL
# 001 CROATIA - OSIJEK - July 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Taking possession of health
care institutions.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:The health care institution in
Stara Tenja was shut down and the nurse of Croatian
nationality was expelled. A military hospital was opened at
the end of the village on a pig farm. The witness knows that
they had a general practitioner and three surgeons. One of
them was Dr Hadzic who had worked previously in the Vukovar
hospital. The witness claims that the civilian inhabitants
had to go to the newly formed military hospital for even the
most elementary requirements.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
IV WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
# 001 CROATIA - OSIJEK - 06.09.1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME:Inhuman treatment of prisoners
and forced labour.
TIME AND LOCATION: 06.09.1991, Stara Tenja (approx. 8 km
southeast of Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:The witness saw armed civilians of
Serbian nationality forcing imprisoned Croat civilians from
Stara Tenja to dig trenches around their barricades in Stara
Tenja. While he was being taken for an exchange, the witness
recognized the imprisoned Croats. Some of the prisoners
managed to escape and later reported in Osijek how they had
been forced to dig trenches, then fill them up again, and so,
day in day out.
PERPETRATORS: Armed civilians of Serbian nationality from
Stara Tenja.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
X INSTIGATION TO AGGRESSION AND AN ACT OF AGGRESSION
# 001 - CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Verbal instigation to
aggression.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991, Tovarnik (approx. 23 km
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME:On entering one of the rooms in the
prison in Tovarnik (the house of Dr Cvejic), he found a group
of Serbs from Lovas and the commander of the irregular local
police units known as the "police of SAO Krajina", a Serb by nationality
whose surname was Krnjajic. From their
conversation, the witness concluded that this was a meeting
between the Serbs of Tovarnik and those of Lovas to discuss
further "activity". The Serbs had made up a list of people of Croatian
nationality from the neighbouring Lovas who were to
be killed in their attack on Lovas. The witness claims that
during his presence, they named some thirty Croats from
Lovas.
PERPETRATORS: The commander of the local irregular police
units of Tovarnik, surname Krnjajic and groups of Serbs from
Tovarnik and Lovas.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a
witness, supplemented by a written account, currently kept in
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - KNIN DISTRICT - January 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible relocation and
depopulation of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 1993; Knin district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: At the end of January 1993, numerous
Serbian paramilitary formations arrived in the Knin district from Okucani,
Banja Luka, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Among them were Captain Dragan,
and Zeljko Raznjatovic "Arkan" with their paramilitary formations, as well
as the Serbian Radical Party
paramilitary formation called "Chetniks" or "Seselj's units". The Croatian
civilians were arrested and relocated in the so-
called UNPROFOR "South Camp". After approximately seven hours of waiting,
the civilians were put in the local school "Srpskih Junaka" ("Serbian
Heroes"), where they were held for three days and three nights. On January
30, 1993, at 2:00 p.m., the Knin Red Cross provided three buses for 177
Croatian civilians who were
then transferred to Drnis. The following day, January 31, 1993,
at 9:00 a.m., the civilians were taken to the village of Zitnic
and evicted. They went on foot all the way to Pakovo Selo (2.5
kilometres) where they were welcomed by the Croatian Red Cross
representatives. In Knin, all civilians were forced to sign a
document stating that they were leaving Knin of their own free
will.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serbian paramilitary formations,
irregular police, self-proclaimed civilian authorities of the
Knin district, members of the Knin Red Cross.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - PAKRAC - August 5, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings, infliction of serious
bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 5, 1993; the village of Dragovic
(northeast of Pakrac - UNPA zone WEST).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb terrorists attacked several
police vehicles. During the attack, four members of the Croatian police
force were killed, and another four wounded. The incident took place on
August 5, 1993, on the Dragovic-Donji Grahovljani
road (cca 2 kilometres from the Pakrac-Pozega highway, and cca 2 kilometres
from an UNPROFOR checkpoint). The killed Croatian
policemen are the following: Renato Kalvi (father's name Ivan;
born 1970) from Pakrac, Bozidar Kop (father's name Jeronim; born 1967) from
the village of Badljevina near Pakrac, Marko Jaksic
(father's name Josip; born 1969) from the village of Cerna near
Zupanja, and Zeljko Kotris (father's name Jozo; born 1961) from
the village of Podgorac near Nasice. The seriously wounded were: P. Z. from
Pakrac, and I. G. from the village of Podgorac near
Nasice. the lightly wounded were: Z. R. from the village of
Zeljani, near Nasice, and Z. V. from the village of Podgorac,
near Nasice.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs.
EVIDENCE: August 6, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list" daily, p. 4; August 11,
1993 issue of "Vecernji list" daily, p. 7. Documents currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991; Vukovar ("Velepromet"). SUMMARY OF
REPORTED CRIME: An eye-witness saw when members of the YPA (Yugoslav
People's Army) and paramilitary formations
("Chetniks") brought a group of eight civilians from the storehouse of
"Velepromet". The prisoners' hands were tied with a wire. They tied the
prisoners to a high barbed wire fence and
shot them. The eye-witness also saw three hanged civilians - two men and a
woman, near the "Velepromet" storehouse.
PERPETRATORS: The members of YPA, and Serbian paramilitary
formations ("Chetniks").
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Vukovar (a pit near the
brickyard, cca 2 metres from the railroad).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of Vukovar,
of Croatian civilians. They buried the bodies of
killed civilians in mass graves. One such mass grave (cca 1,000
bodies) is located in the immediate vicinity of the railroad,
near the Vukovar Brickyard. Before the war, this was a clay-pit, so that
several large pits already existed on the site. The
perpetrators turned those pits into mass graves.
PERPETRATORS: The members of YPA and paramilitary forces
("Chetniks").
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
005 CROATIA - SKABRNJA NEAR ZADAR - November 19/20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible depopulation of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 19/20, 1991; the village of Skabrnja (west of
Benkovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of the village of Skabrnja,
the members of YPA and armed Serbs loaded the surviving Croatian civilians
onto the military vehicles and drove them to
the YPA barracks in Benkovac. Next morning, around 11:30 a.m.,
all detained civilians were taken to the village of Pristeg and
evicted.
PERPETRATORS: Members of YPA, armed paramilitary formations, and
self-proclaimed authorities of the so-called Serbian Krajina.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
006 CROATIA - SKABRNJA NEAR ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991; Skabrnja near Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs and members of YPA killed 6 or 7
Croatian villagers of Skabrnja who were hiding in two
basements. An undetermined number of civilians were taken to the Serb
populated village of Smilcic. Their fate is yet unknown. The members of the
YPA and armed Serbs forcibly took the remaining
Croatian civilians to the YPA barracks in Benkovac.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA, and armed Serbs from the
surrounding villages.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
007 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA - September 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced relocation, and killing of civilians,
infliction of serious bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; the village of Siroka Kula (14
kilometres northeast of Gospic).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA entered the
relocated other Croatian civilians in the wine-cellar of Dane
Oreskovic's family house. The relocation was done by the armed
Serbs among whom were Miso Serdar, Dane Serdar, Dusko Serdar, and Braco
Zagorac. After a couple of days Dane Oreskovic's house was hit by mortars.
An eye-witness was wounded while getting out of
the cellar. After the mortar attack, armed Serbs fired at
civilians from automatic guns. Dragan Vanjak (a Serb) killed
Milan Oreskovic with a knife. 15 Croatian civilians were hidden
in the wine-cellar. Serbs killed 10 civilians, while D. O., M.
O., M. O., I. O., and another woman survived the attack. The
following people were killed near the village monument: an
unidentified elderly woman, Ive Stimac, Marica Stimac, and Matija
Oreskovic. The armed Serbs took M. V. and his wife in an unknown direction.
They burnt the bodies of the killed villagers.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA, armed Serbs among whom were
Miro Serdar, Dane Serdar, Dusko Serdar, Braco Zagorac, and Dragan Vanjak.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
008 CROATIA - SLUNJ - October 25, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 25, 1991; the village of Lipovaca (cca 23
kilometres south of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs ("Chetniks") killed seven Croatian
villagers of Lipovaca. On this occasion the following
Croatian civilians were shot or killed with knife: Marija
Brozincevic (born 1941), Franjo Brozinzevic (born 1930), Mira
Brozincevic (born 1935), Mato Brozincevic (born 1930), Roja
Brozincevic (born 1924), Mirko Brozincevic (born 1961), and Kaja Cindric
(born 1924). According to the 1991 census, the villagers of Lipovaca had
the population of 267: 222 Croats, 44 Serbs, and 1 person did not declare
nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
009 CROATIA - SLUNJ - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; Slunj district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Marija Magdic (born 1914) was killed
in the village of Korita, mid-October 1991, along with the
following people: Manda Bicanic (born 1920) from Grabovac, Ilija Bicanic
(born 1933) from Dreznik, Marica Keser (born 1920) from
Rakovica, and Marija Pavlic (born 1943) from Klanac. Marko
Brajdic (born 1912) was killed in his family house in the village of
Rakovica, on October 24, 1991. Milan Smolcic (born 1934) and
Juro Conjar (born 1931) were killed in the village of Hrvatski
Blagaj, on October 25, 1991. All the killed persons were Croatian
civilians. Murders were committed by Serb irregulars
("Chetniks").
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
010 CROATIA - SLUNJ - October 8, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991; the village of Dreznicko
Seliste (cca 24 kilometres south of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") set Ana Hodak
(77 years old, Croatian nationality) on fire in her
house. The same perpetrators killed the following Croatian
civilians: Nikola Hodak (born 1967) and Pavo Hodak (80 years
old). On the same day, the Chetniks set on fire Croatian houses
in the village of Dreznicko Seliste. According to the 1991
census, the village of Dreznicko Seliste had the population of
649: 633 Croatians, 14 Serbs, 1 Muslim, and 1 person did not
declare nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
011 CROATIA - KORENICA - November 11, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 7, 1993; the village of Poljanak (cca 22
kilometres north of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") committed a mass
execution of Croatian civilians in the village of
Poljanak. The village was destroyed, and the following villagers were
killed: Vjekoslav Vukovic (52 years old), Nikola Vukovic (65 years old),
Milka Vukovic, Lucija Vukovic (63 years old), Dane
Vukovic (80 years old, father's name Mato), Dane Vukovic (70
years old, father's name Polde), Nikola Vukovic (73 years old),
Ivan Vukovic (60 years old), Nikola Matovina (79 years old), and Joso
Matovina (50 years old). According to the 1991 census, the
village of Poljanak had the population of 160: 145 Croats, 5
Serbs, 1 Muslim, and 9 persons did not declare nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
012 CROATIA - KORENICA - October 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 20, 1991; the village of Poljanak (cca 22
kilometres north of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") hanged two Croatian
villagers of Poljanak, Ivan Loncar (80 years old),
and his son Milan Loncar.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
013 CROATIA - KORENICA - October 8, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991; the village of Vaganac (cca
25 kilometres north of Titova Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") killed and
subsequently set fire to eight elderly Croatian civilians:
Kata Bilen nicknamed "Kacuna" (84 years old), Manda Cancar nicknamed
"Mandic" (85 years old), Dane Jandric nicknamed "Danic" (80 years old),
Milka Kukuruzovic nicknamed "Milkaca" (90 years old), Stipe Kukuruzovic (55
years old), Mara Kukuruzovic
nicknamed "Krekerusa" (80 years old), Rojka Mikuljan (80 years old), and
Jelka Mikuljan nicknamed "Strina" (86 years old). PERPETRATORS: Serb
irregulars ("Chetniks").
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
014 CROATIA - KORENICA - October 8, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991, the village of Smoljanac (cca 27
kilometres north of Titova Korenica).
Croatian civilians: Ana Bujadinovic (60 years old),
and Joso Matovina (60 years old). Their decomposed bodies were
found and buried on October 15, 1991. According to the 1991
census, the village of Smoljanac had the population of 256: 246
Croatians, 3 Serbs, and 7 persons did not declare their
nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
015 CROATIA - SLUNJ - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; the village of Seliste, Catrnja hamlet
(cca 24 kilometres south of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") killed two Croatian
villagers of Catrnja: Jela Bicanic (1920), and Nada Bicanic (1942).
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
016 CROATIA - SLUNJ - November 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 17, 1991; Slunj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The following Croatian civilians were killed:
Dragan Modrusan and Nikola Stefanac (killed by a shell,
at the square in front of the Catholic church), Pave Ivsic (born 1934,
killed in front of his house), a young man who worked in
the local forestry since the beginning of the war (killed near
the "Varteks" store), a villager of Saborsko and his child, Mile Buncic
(killed in his house), Franjo Rauzan (born 1932), Vid
Zgela (born 1933), and Mile Jurcevic (born 1920). All of the
killed persons were residents of Slunj. They were killed after
the mortar attack, and the occupation of Slunj, by the armed
Serbs and YPA members.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs and YPA members.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
017 CROATIA - SLUNJ - December 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1991, Dreznik Grad.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: By mid-December 1991, Serb irregulars
("Chetniks") burnt alive two Croatian civilians: Manda Hodak and Jure Hodak
(spouses, cca 70 years old). According to the 1991
census, Dreznik Grad had the population of 830: 686 Croats, 120
Serbs, 1 Montenegro, and 20 persons did not declare nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
018 CROATIA - SLUNJ - December 22, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 22, 1991, Slunj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Doctor Dragutin Krusic was killed on
December 22, 1991, near the cafe "Suzy". According to the 1991 census the
city of Slunj had the population of 2026: 1149 Croats, 582 Serbs, 15
Muslims, 7 Montenegrins, 3 Albanians, 2 Hungarians, 1 Macedonian, 1
Slovenian, 1 Bulgarian, 1 Czech, and 264 persons did not declare
nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Unknown.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
019 CROATIA - SLUNJ - January 1, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 1, 1992, the village of Lipovaca (cca 23
kilometres south of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") burnt alive in a
house the following Croatian civilians: Ana Pemper
(born 1933), Barbara Vukovic nicknamed "Basa" (born 1930), Juro Sebalj
(born 1928) and two unidentified men. On the same day, a
young Croatian, Stipe Rukavina, was taken to the Manjaca
concentration camp, where he was battered to death.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
020 CROATIA - SLUNJ - January 16, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 16, 1992; the village of Donji
Ladjevac, Polje hamlet (cca 6 kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs killed (by a machine gun) three
Croatian civilians: Anka Rupa (born 1925), Franjo Sajfer
(born 1935), and Joso Sajfer (born 1930). According to the 1991
census, the village of Donji Ladjevac had the population of 445: 431
Croats, 2 Serbs, 1 Muslim, and 11 persons did not declare
nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
021 CROATIA - SLUNJ - January 22, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 22, 1992; Slunj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Croatian civilians Ana Kovacevic nee
Macan and Milan Kovacavic (spouses) were killed in their family
house. Milan was killed in the stairway, while Ana was killed in the room.
She was killed with the knife, and her body was
mutilated.
PERPETRATORS: Unknown.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
022 CROATIA - SLUNJ - January 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 1992; the village of Gornji Ladjevac, Dubrava
hamlet (cca 6 kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks") stabbed to death
three Croatian civilians: Marija Baric (born 1912), Roza Baric (born 1933),
and Kata Mrgan (born 1914). On January 23,
1992, the following Croatian civilians were killed and set on
fire in the Seliste hamlet (the village of Gornji Ladjevac): Zora Potnar
(born 1939), Mile Radocaj (born 1920), Bara Radocaj (born 1921), Ivo
Radocaj (born 1930), Roza Radocaj (born 1931), Roza
Radocaj (born 1933), and Jure Valentic. Ivan and Anka
Mirosavljevic (spouses) were taken in an unknown direction on
that same day, and their fate is yet unknown.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
023 CROATIA - SLUNJ - February 16, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: February 16, 1992, 9:30 p.m.; Slunj.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A Serb civilian, Djuro Tepavac,
ambushed and killed (by a machine gun) a Croatian civilian, Ivan Stefanac
nicknamed "Cajac" (born 1934), and a Serb civilian Milan Savic nicknamed
"Miso" (born 1962) from the village of Komesarac, while they were returning
home in the company of another villager (a Serb), from Milan Krneta' house.
The third man managed to
escape. During February 1992, four Croatian civilians were
killed in Slunj: Janko Volaric, Janja Valentic, Joza Loncaric,
and Zvonko Loncaric. Perpetrators were Serb irregulars
("Chetniks").
PERPETRATORS: Djuro Tepavac (a Serb) from Slunj, Serb irregulars
("Chetniks").
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
024 CROATIA - SLUNJ - February 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: February 1992; the village of Donji Furjan,
Gornji Furjan hamlet (cca 11 kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: By the end of February 1992, Serb
irregulars killed 6 Croatian civilians: Mile Cindric (born 1926), Pave
Zgela (born 1936, father's name Juro), Vid Zgela (born 1940, father's name
Stipe), Pave Zgela (born 1928), Marija Zgela (born 1920), and Vid Segovac
(born 1934). According to the 1991 census, the village of Donji Furjan had
the population of 470: 376
Croats, 76 Serbs, and 18 persons did not declare nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
025 CROATIA - SLUNJ - June 19, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 19, 1992; the village of Gornji Popovac,
Lombardenik hamlet (cca 4 kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Three armed Serb civilians from Cujic Brdo (cca
15 kilometres south of Slunj) came to the Lombardenik
hamlet. While passing by Dane Bogovic "Trener"'s house, they forced him to
dig out a grave in his garden, and then one of the Serbs killed him. Before
the war, the perpetrator used to work as a watchman at the local gravel
pit. During the 1991 census, the
village of Gornji Popovac had the population of 453: 445 Croats, 1 Serb,
and 7 persons did not declare nationality.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb civilians from Cujic Brdo.
EVIDENCE: Document currently kept in the archives of the
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - GLINA/KNIN - June 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 26, 1991, Glina; June 28, 1991, Golubic
near Knin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs arrested and battered 14
policemen from Glina. The most notorious among the perpetrators
was Nebojsa Jelic. From Glina, the captured policemen were taken to the
Samarica Hill, where the Serbs detained the local
lumbermen. On June 28, 1991, all detainees were taken to Golubic near Knin,
and locked up in a garage. Later, they were
transferred from Golubic to Knin, and placed in a former local
hospital. 50 Croats from Plaski, Glina and Dvor na Uni districts were
detained in the hospital. They were abused on a daily basis. Serbs beat the
prisoners with fists, rubber and leaden batons,
and kicked them. Food was inadequate. On one occasion, a witness talked to
a Dutch journalist who managed to approach the window
of the lock-up only for a moment before he was chased away by the guards.
Journalists often came from Belgrade and filmed the
prisoners. Prisoners were subsequently loaded on the YPA buses
and taken to a meeting point where they were exchanged.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs from Glina, among whom the witness
recognized Nebojsa Jelic. Armed Serbs and guards in the former
hospital in Knin.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Inhumane treatment of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Vukovar (carpentry workshop in
"Velepromet").
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbs Nenad Zigic, Captain Dragan, and Milan
Torbica placed the burnt remains of a human body (lacking
head, head and arms) in front of a Croatian civilian prisoner in order to
intimidate him, and force him to reveal an information. PERPETRATORS:
Captain Dragan, Nenad Zigic, and Milan Torbica (all Serbs).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 23, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Abuse and killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 23, 1991, Vukovar (carpentry workshop in
"Velepromet").
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The so-called "People's Court-
Martial", established by Serb occupying forces (the YPA and paramilitary
forces - "Chetniks"), condemned to death the following Croats: Goran
Kovacevic from Vukovar, a young man from Zagreb, Zdravisa from Vukovar,
Martin Sajtovic and his son Braco from Vukovar. The death penalties were
executed immediately. The Chetnik nicknamed "Bulidza" chopped Goran
Kovacevic's head, and impaled it. Zoran Stankovic, Miki Ikac, and Predrag
Petrinja held a young man from Zagreb, while the Chetnik Vojvoda Mirko
Novkovic nicknamed "Capalo" cut him in two with a table saw. Martin
Sajtovic and his son Braco were shot. Zdravisa was killed with a knife
outside the workshop. A group of armed Serbs maltreated
prisoners on a daily basis.
PERPETRATORS: The Chetnik nicknamed "Bulidza", Zoran Stankovic, Miki Ikac,
Predrag Petrinjac, a Chetnik Vojvoda (a Chetnik
officer) Milan Novkovic. Investigators: Nenad Zigic, Mile
Torbica, and Captain Dragan. The prisoners were maltreated by:
Simo Samardzija, Milan Samardzija, Drago Susik, Aleksa Susik,
Stanko Susik, a man nicknamed "Kamenko" or "Kameni". EVIDENCE: Audio tape
recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - December 1, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1, 1991; Vukovar (the YPA barracks in Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The YPA military police transferred
prisoners from the "Velepromet" workshop (which was turned into a camp), to
the YPA barracks in Vukovar. Maltreatment and battering of prisoners were
done on a daily basis. Snezana Korda (a Serb,
17 years old) repeatedly kicked a witness in the spinal area. The same
Serbs who maltreated, battered and killed prisoners in
"Velepromet", did so in the barracks as well.
PERPETRATORS: Snezana Korda (17 years old), Smiljka Popovic,
Gojko Popovic, Biljana Popovic, Miki Ikac, Predrag Petrinjac
nicknamed "Pedja", Inga Stankovic, Zoran Stankovic, Aleksa Susik, Mirko
Novkovic, Djoko Krstic, Mico Skoric, Mile Skoric, a certain Pero, and a
certain Gojko.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
005 CROATIA - BENKOVAC - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Imprisonment, torture, and
inhumane treatment of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, the YPA barracks in
Benkovac (cca 40 kilometres west of Zadar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the mass killing of Croatian
civilians in Skabrnja, by the YPA and Serb irregulars, the
surviving Croatian villagers were detained in the YPA barracks in Benkovac.
All prisoners were battered during the night (the
guards mostly kicked them), and the following morning (November
19, 1991) they were taken to Knin where the maltreatment
continued. 25 prisoners were placed in the 3x5 m room. They
lacked food, and sanitary conditions were inadequate. The
prisoners were forced to hard labour (unloading coal from
railcars, transporting objects that Serbs had looted...). Serb - returnees
from the front had access to the prisoners, and they
battered them. The group of Craotian civilians from Skabrnja
spent 139 days in prison.
PERPETRATORS: Sergeant Sinobad (the head of Knin prison). His
deputy was a certain Jovo (a Serb). He interrogated and battered prisoners.
Armed Serbs and YPA members from Benkovac and Knin.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
006 SERBIA - SREMSKA MITROVICA - January 2, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Abuse of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 2nd to March 26, 1992; Sremska
Mitrovica prison.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On January 2, 1992, prisoners from the YPA
barracks in Vukovar were transferred to the Sremska Mitrovica prison. Many
residents of Vukovar were detained in Sremska
Mitrovica. Among them was dr. Vesna Bosanac, who was placed in
the room no. 14. Two sisters Zdenka and Gordana (the guards,
Serbs by nationality) were especially notorious for battering the
prisoners. Serb guards forced prisoners to read in front of
cameras previously prepared statements of their alleged crimes.
The prisoners were registered only after the arrival of the
International Red Cross on March 26, 1992.
PERPETRATORS: Zdenka and Gordana (sisters, guards in the female
ward of the Sremska Mitrovica prison), other Serb prison guards. EVIDENCE:
Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
007 SERBIA - ODZACI - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991, Odzaci (30 kilometres south of Sombor).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Milan Gojkovic, the president of the
Serbian Democratic Party in Borovo Naselje, a YPA captain took
four Croatian civilians from the basement of the "Komerc" company in
Vukovar, and transferred them to Voivodina (Serbia). Prisoners were brought
to the Odzaci police station. Veso Proca from
Vukovar, along with the other Serb employees in the station
maltreated and battered prisoners. They beat prisoners with
police batons, and mortar shells, and kicked them. After being
battered, four prisoners were taken to Bogojevo, near a lake (cca 200
metres from Danube) and kept inside of a military tent.
PERPETRATORS: Milan Gojkovic, Veso Proca, the YPA soldiers,
members of the Odzaci police station.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - SKABRNJA - ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Infliction of suffering and bodily harms.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, village of Skabrnja near
Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Arrested civilians Sime and Bude
Segaric, Pero Rogic and Dujo Segaric were forced to lie down and then they
were kicked and beaten with rifle-butts. They were
taken to Biljane Donje. They attempted to run over the remaining civilians
with tanks.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serbian paramilitary units ("Chetniks") formed by
the Serbian Radical Party (president Vojislav Se{elj). EVIDENCE: Written
statement given by a witness currently kept in the archives of the
Department, no. 3B3KN04A002.
002 CROATIA - GORNJI ZEMUNIK - ZADAR - December 2, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced resettlement of residents. TIME AND
LOCATION: December 2, 1992, village of Gornji Zemunik
near Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbs from Gornji Zemunik working with Serbs
from neighbouring villages forced the 6 remaining Croats
out towards Benkovac, Podlug and Zadar with the help of the
UNPROFOR.
PERPETRATORS: Serbs from Gornji Zemunik.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by the witnesses currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3J2BE13A001.
II WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - LOVAS - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and mass
killings of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: On October 10, 1991, the village of Lovas (17 km
southeast of Vukovar - Eastern Croatia) was attacked at 7:30
a.m.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Yugoslav Peoples' Army (YPA) and Serbian
paramilitary forces (Chetniks) killed 30 Croatian
civilians during a mortar and infantry attack on the village of
Lovas. The victims included: Dane Budanjek, Cecilija Budanjek, Vid
Krizmanic and Bato Polic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA (regular army) and paramilitary forces
(Chetniks), established by the Serbian Radical Party (SRP President,
Vojislav Se{elj).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
002 CROATIA - LOVAS - October 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: The illegal imprisonment of 80
civilians (men) between the ages of 25 and 50 years.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 17, 1991, in the village of Lovas (17 km
southeast of Vukovar - Eastern Croatia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The YPA issued an order for all men
of Croatian nationality between the ages of 25 and 50 years to
attend a meeting in the community hall. 80 individuals were
taken prisoner and physically mistreated until the following
morning. At that time, Ljuban Devetak divided the prisoners into three
groups:
a)group to be spared (few individuals)
b)labour group
c)group to be executed
PERPETRATORS: Representatives of the YPA (regular army) and
Chetniks who physically mistreated the prisoners. The witness
recognized Ljuban Devetak who divided the prisoners into groups. EVIDENCE:
Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
003 CROATIA - VILLAGE OF ZAVIDOVICI NEAR TOVARNIK - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: The murder of 5 Croatian
civilians and the infliction of physical injury to one civilian
individual of Croatian nationality.
TIME AND LOCATION: Autumn 1991, in the village of Zavidovici
near Tovarnik (approximately 30 km southeast of Vinkovci -
Eastern Croatia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA soldiers stabbed to death with a knife the
following Croatian individuals:
1. Franjo Kuzmic
2. Mara Kuzmic
3. Janja Juric
4. Marko Sijak
5. unidentified woman
The elderly J.I., of Croatian nationality, sustained knife
wounds.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3J1VK07E005
004 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass murder of civilians,
detention and maltreatment.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991, Vukovar - Eastern Croatia.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Attackers wearing YPA uniforms (olive drab)
killed approximately 70 Croatian civilians. The witness,
along with 50 other individuals, was detained in the "Velepromet" warehouse
where he was physically mistreated.
PERPETRATORS: Individuals in YPA uniforms (olive drab) murdered the
civilians, while the questioning and maltreatment of
detainees was executed by individuals with the following
surnames: Crevar, Savic, and Major Zigic.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3J1VK07E009
005 CROATIA - POUNJE - June 24 to July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Blockade of roads, expulsion and wilful
killing of civilians, wilful destruction of properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 24 to July 16, 1991, the districts of
Dvor na Uni and Hrvatska Kostajnica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: June 24, 1991, Serbs (mostly members
of the Serbian Democratic Party,) caused a communication
breakdown by setting up barricades on all roads in the Pounje
region. On July 26, 1991, armed members of the Serbian Democratic Party,
belonging to the Martic irregular units, aided by the YPA unit from the
Covic Brdo, launched an armed attack on the
villages in the above mentioned Croat populated districts. In the Dvor na
Uni district the following villages were destroyed and
burned down: Gvozdansko, Uncani, Struga Banska, and Zamlaca. In
the Hrvatska Kostajnica district the following villages were
destroyed and burned down: Gornji Kukuruzari, Donji Kukuruzari,
Donja Vele{nja, Panjani, Kostajnicki Majur, Seli{te Kostajnicko, Kostrici,
Stubalj, Grabo{tani, Mracaj, Gornji Cerovljani, Donji
Cerovljani, Bacin, and Dubica. Croatian civilians had already
escaped to Kutina, Sisak and Zagreb districts, and to Western
Bosnia.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Martic paramilitary formations, and members of
the Serbian Territorial Defence (armed Serbian
civilians), along with the YPA unit located at the Covic Brdo
(near Dvor na Uni).
EVIDENCE: Written chronology of the events in Pounje currently
kept in the archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV07A006
006 CROATIA - UNCANI near DVOR NA UNI - July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians,
unlawful internment of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 26, 1991, the village of Uncani near Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On July 26, 1991, Serbian forces
attacked the Croatian populated villages in the Pounje region,
captured, and interned to camps in Banija many Croatian
civilians.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Martic paramilitary formation,
members of the YPA armoured brigade from the Petrinja garrison,
Serbian members of the Territorial Defence, Serbian members of
the regular and reserve militia forces from Dvor na Uni.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV05A002
007 CROATIA - ZAMLACA NEAR DVOR NA UNI - July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Taking civilian hostages.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 26, 1991, the village of Zamlaca near
Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On July 26th, armed Serbian forces
attacked the Croatian populated village of Zamlaca, and forced
them to walk in front of them as a living shield towards the
village of Struga, in order to force the members of the local
police station to surrender. At the entrance to Struga, the Serbs opened
machine gun fire from the truck "shielded" by the Zamlaca villagers. Many
people were wounded, among whom were Milka
Bartolovic and her husband Milan Bartolovic. The wounded
civilians were transferred to hospital in Dvor na Uni. Milan was forcibly
taken out of the hospital and executed near the Zirovac Bridge by Serbian
irregulars.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb civilians from Dvor na Uni and
neighbouring Serb populated villages, an armoured YPA unit.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept at the
archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV24A001
008 CROATIA - ZAMLACA NEAR DVOR NA UNI - July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful detention of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: July 26, 1991, the village of Zamlaca near
Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the attack, armed Serb
irregulars captured Milan Slijepcevic, nicknamed Crni, a
civilian, and took him to Dvor na Uni, where he was detained in
the basement of the local police station. His fate remains
unknown.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb irregulars.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV24A001
009 CROATIA - VILLAGES OF ZAMLACA AND STRUGA NEAR DVOR NA
UNI - July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Hostage taking, attack on
civilians, killing of civilians and members of Croatian police.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 26, 1991, 11:30 a.m., the villages of
Zamlaca and Struga, near Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed aggressors captured the
villagers of Zamlaca and used them as a living shield during the attack on
the village of Struga, in order to force Croatian
policemen in the local police station to surrender. During the
attack on Struga, 9 civilians and 3 policemen were killed.
PERPETRATORS: The attack on the villages of Zamlaca and Struga
were led by Predrag Orlovic and To{o Burac. 30 members of Martic
paramilitary formation and several hundred members of the Serbian
Territorial Defence (armed Serb civilians) from Dvor na Uni and
neighbouring Serb populated villages participated in the attack. EVIDENCE:
Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the archives of the
Department, no. 3G1DV07A003
010 CROATIA - ZAMLACA NEAR DVOR NA UNI - July 26, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Internment of civilians into
camps, wilful killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 26, 1991, 11:30 a.m., the village of
Zamlaca, north of Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During the attack on the village of
Zamlaca, Serbian forces captured a civilian Nikola Bari{ic and
confined him to a motel at Covic Brdo near Dvor na Uni, which
they had turned into a detention camp. Nikola Bari{ic was killed by a knife
and mutilated.
PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV07A003
011 CROATIA - SKABRNJA - ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilian population,
mass execution.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, village of Skabrnja near
Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitaries, the so-called "Chetniks"
attacked the civilian population of Skabrnja with tank and then infantry
units. "Chetniks" wearing masks killed 16 Croatian civilians. Those killed
were: Joso Brkic, Ivan "Ivi{a" Razov, Vice Segaric, Rade Segaric, Kata
Rogic, Petar Pavicic,
Mile Pavicic, Ivica Segaric, Marko Brkic, Marija Brkic, Stanko
Vickovic, Sime Segaric, Joso Miljanic, Krsto Segaric, Luca
Segaric and Stana Vickovic.
PERPETRATORS: Paramilitary groups ("Chetniks") formed by the Serbian
Radical Party (president of party Vojislav Se{elj).
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3B3KN04A002.
012 CROATIA - SKABRNJA - ZADAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal detention of 84 civilians (women and
children) of which about 17 were children under the
age of 10.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, village of Skabrnja near
Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Civilians from Skabrnja were taken to an army
barracks in Benkovac, abused and threatened with death.
They were then moved to a kindergarten. The only male among them, Martin
Segaric, was interrogated.
PERPETRATORS: Masked "Chetniks".
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3B3KN04A002.
013 CROATIA - VOCIN, CETEKOVEC, BALINCI, COLJUG - PODRAVSKA
SLATINA - September 4, 1991.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, killings of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 4, 1991, villages of Vocin,
Cetekovac, Balinci and Coljug in the district of Podravska
Slatina, Croatia.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The crimes were committed during an
attack of Serbian paramilitary groups known as the "Se{eljevci" and "Beli
Orlovi". Their aim was to expell or kill all non- Serbian residents. 44
residents of the above-mentioned villages
were killed. Some of those killed were tortured or physically
abused before dying. Among those killed were: Ivan Rukavina,
Marko Rukavina, Marko Rukavina (Jr.), Mijo Lovrenc, Ivan
Biskupovic, Jure Borovac, Ivka Biskupovic, Mile Starcevic,
Rozalija Vlatkovic and Manda Rukavina from Balinci; Feri Sabo and his son
from Cojlug; Du{ko Kosorog, Nikola Butorac, Josip Tone,
Josip Butorac and Josip Potocnik from Cetekovac.
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramiltary formations known as
"Se{eljevci" and "Beli Orlovi" - "Chetniks". EVIDENCE: Medical documents,
photographs of those killed and
video tape recordings currently kept in the archives of the
Department, no. 3I1PS07P001.
III WAR CRIMES AGAINST THE WOUNDED AND THE ILL
001 CROATIA - POUNJE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED EVENT: Destruction of medical equipment, and wilful
wounding and killing of already wounded civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991, hospital located in Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF THE REPORTED CRIME: Several members of the Martic
paramilitary unit entered the patient wards in the Dvor na Uni
Hospital where Croatian civilians were being treated from the
wounds systained during the attack of the Martic units on the
Croatian villages in Pounje. They destroyed infusion and other
medical equipment. They forced the wounded Croatian civilians out of the
hospital, and drove them in a truck to the Zirovac
rivulet, where they executed them. One person survived the
execution.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Martic paramilitary units, and
medical staff in the hospital located in Dvor na Uni.
EVIDENCE: Written chronology of the events in Pounje currently
kept in the archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV07A006
IV WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
001 CROATIA - LOVAS - October 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: The murder of civilian prisoners and the
infliction of inhumane suffering and bodily harm.
TIME AND LOCATION: On October 18, 1991 in the village of Lovas
(17 km southeast of Vukovar - Eastern Croatia) at 9:00 a.m..
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A truckful of Chetnik paramilitary
soldiers arrived in front of the community hall. They ordered
the captured Croatian civilians to join hands and cross a mine
field, telling the civilians that they were going to "pick
grapes". At this time, 20 Croatian civilians were killed, and 12 were
seriously wounded. The surviving Croatian civilians were
taken to the city of Sid in Serbia.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Serbian paramilitary forces
("Chetniks"), established by the Serbian Radical Party (SRP President,
Vojislav Se{elj).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3J1VK07E011
002 CROATIA - BOROVO NASELJE - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: The illegal imprisonment and
detention of civilians, wounded and soldiers in concentration
camps and the physical maltreatment of the detainees.
TIME AND LOCATION: On November 19, 1991 in the "Borovo" factory in Borovo
Naselje (4 km north of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA soldiers and members of the
Serbian paramilitary forces ("Chetniks") transported civilians, wounded and
members of the Croatian police and Croatian National Defense who
surrendered after being surrounded in the "Borovo" factory, to the
"Stajicevo" concentration camp in Serbia, near Zrenjanin. At that time,
there were approximately 1,400
detainees in the camp. On December 22, 1991, the witness was
transferred to the Ni{ prison, which was controlled by the YPA
military police.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers and members of the Serbian
paramilitary formations ("Chetniks"), established by the Serbian Radical
Party (SRP president, Vojislav Se{elj).
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3K1VK30E012
003 SERBIA - BOGOJEVO, STAJICEVO AND SREMSKA MITROVICA
CONCENTRATION CAMPS - 1991/1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Physical maltreatment and
inhumane behaviour towards the detainees.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991/1992, Bogojevo, Stajicevo and Sremska
Mitrovica concentration camps (all in Serbia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Following the capture of 32 civilians by YPA
soldiers, they were transported to a concentration camp in Serbia, and
subsequently to Stajicevo near Zrenjanin and then to Sremska Mitrovica. In
Sremska Mitrovica the detainees from
Croatia were kept in 6x10 metre rooms. 135 individuals were kept in these
rooms. 20 individuals were continually physically
mistreated.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3K1VK07E008
VIII DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - UNCANI NEAR DVOR NA UNI - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991, the villages of Struga, and Divu{a, the towns of
Dubica and Hrvatska Kostajnica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic churches were destroyed in
the villages of Struga and Divu{a, and in the towns of Dubica and Hrvatska
Kostajnica.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian irregulars from the Pounje region,
led by the YPA armoured brigade from the Petrinja garrison, and
members of the Martic paramilitary formation.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV05A002
XI RACIAL AND OTHER DISCRIMINATION
001 CROATIA - UNCANI, NEAR DVOR NA UNI - June 24, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: National discrimination.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 24, 1991, Dvor na Uni.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the Martic paramilitary
formation and armed Serb civilians from Dvor na Uni blockaded
roads and entry to the city. At the checkpoint near Mihajlo
Pasic's house, they forbid the entrance to Dvor na Uni to the
Croats from the nearby villages. As they could not reach their
working posts, the Croats were fired from their jobs.
PERPETRATORS: Members of the Martic paramilitary units and armed Serb
civilians from Dvor na Uni and neighbouring villages.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department, no. 3G1DV05A002
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - VILLAGE OF BRUSKA - BENKOVAC DISTRICT - June 15,
1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced expulsion of local
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 15, 1992; Bruska, near Benkovac. UNPA
zone "South".
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb paramilitary formations
ethnically cleansed the village by forcefully evicting the last
six Croats who lived there. The area was under UNPROFOR
protection at the time. From 1991 until June 16, 1992, the Serbs expelled
all Croats from Bruska. According to the 1991 census,
the village had a population of 373 people, of which 334 were
Croats and 39 Serbs.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb paramilitaries from nearby villages.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - DONJI LADjEVAC - SLUNJ DISTRICT - February 7, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: February 7, 1993; Donji Ladjevac (cca 6
kilometres east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs killed Slavko Klobucar, a Croat who
lived in Donji Ladjevac. The region is under UNPROFOR
protection (Polish battalion), who fail to protect local
civilians. PERPETRATORS: Nikola Vukojevic. The chief of the
police station in occupied Slunj is Ljuban Klipa, a Serb from the village
of Skoric.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - DONJI LADjEVAC - January 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 1992; Donji Ladjevac (6 kilometres
east of Slunj).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs killed 9 Croat civilians
(7 men and 2 women), in Donji Ladjevac. The men were killed in a house that
was set on fire. The women were killed in front of the house. The women are
buried in the Catholic cemetery in Slunj,
while the burnt remains of the male victims were never buried.
Seven of these people had the surname Radocaj.
In the village of Furjan, Serbs killed 7 Croat civilians who were brought
to Ladjevci and buried.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs from the surrounding Serb populated
villages.
EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
archives of the Department.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1991; village of Berak, near
Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbs surrounded and attacked the
village of Berak. The civilian population was expelled and sent
towards the village of Djeletovci. Two civilians were injured: a woman and
Josip Valentic.
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitary units ("Chetniks") and Serbs from Berak.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
002 CROATIA - BOGDANOVCI - VUKOVAR DISTRICT - September 14,
1991.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Internment to concentration camps. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 14, 1991; village of Bogdanovci,
near Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Stipo Jularic, Ivica Hacek and Marijan Havel
were taken captive on the evening of September 14, 1991, in a meadow near
Bogdanovci. They were taken to a Serbian military
court in Negoslavci and then transferred to the Bubanj Potok army base near
Belgrade. They were heavily clubbed and beaten.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers and reservists.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
003 CROATIA - LOVAS - VUKOVAR DISTRICT - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1992; Lovas, near Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA tank division attack, followed by an
infantry attack. 30 civilians were killed. Among those killed were: Vidak
Rizmanic, Ivo Palijan, Josip "Josa" Poljak. Serbs from Lovas participated
in the killings.
PERPETRATORS: YPA, Serbian paramilitaries ("Chetniks") and local Serbs.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
004 CROATIA - LOVAS - VUKOVAR DISTRICT - October 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Collective punishment.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 17, 1991; Lovas, near Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Male civilians, ranging in age from 20 to 80
years, were called to a meeting in a cooperative. They were beaten the
entire night, and forced to sit still in front of
machine guns. Some died from the beatings. The witness was
stabbed twice with a knife.
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitary units ("Chetniks") and local Serbs from
Lovas, including Ljuban Devetak, paramilitary
commander and Milan Devcic, police commander.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
005 CROATIA - LOVAS - VUKOVAR - October 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 18, 1991; Lovas, near Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: 60 captured and tortured civilians
were forced to walk across a mine field. Whoever could not walk
was immediately killed. Bosko "Bole" Bogdanac, a Croat, was killed in this
manner. Ivan Kraljevic stepped on a mine. After
the explosion the "Chetniks" ordered all those who survived to raise their
arms, and then they opened fire on them. Among the
"Chetniks" were two local men from Lovas: "Bura" and "Kinez". The YPA
arrived soon after and took the wounded to Sid (in Serbia).
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitaries ("Chetniks"), and two Serbs from Lovas
called "Bura" and "Kinez".
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
006 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of imprisoned civilians
and Croatian Army soldiers.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991; Vukovar - carpentry
workshop in the "Velepromet" building.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb paramilitaries brought civilians into the
"Velepromet" workshop and killed them. Predrag Petrinjac, Zoran Stankovic
and Miki Ikac held one young man (from Zagreb), and Voivoda (a Chetnik
officer) Milan "Capalo" Novkovic cut him in half with a table saw.
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitaries ("Chetniks"): Predrag Petrinjac, Zoran
Stankovic, Miki Ikac and Milan "Capalo" Novkovic.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
007 CROATIA - BOROVO NASELJE - VUKOVAR DISTRICT - November 17,
1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilian property and
imprisonment of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 17, 1991; Borovo Naselje, "Komerc" building.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA set the "Komerc" building on
fire, looted, captured civilians, beat them, and
sentenced them to be executed.
"We were horribly beaten. Our skin pealed from the beatings. They beat us
with everything . . ."
Milan Gojkovic, the president of the Serbian Democratic Party
(SDS), was also wearing a YPA uniform.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers, and Serbs wearing YPA uniforms. Milan Gojkovic,
president of the SDS.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
008 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Infliction of suffering and
forcibly taking civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After beating a victim, Predrag
Petrinjac forcibly took 1,000 DEM, and 40,000 Croatian dinars.
After that, he took the victim's glasses and smashed them under
his foot.
PERPETRATORS: Predrag Petrinjac, an armed Serb from Vukovar.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
009 CROATIA - SLUNJ DISTRICT - 1992/1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting and destruction of
civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1992/1993, Slunj county (villages of Donji
Ladjevac, Poljane, Salopek, and Furjan).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All of the Croatian civilians'
property was looted. Some 30% of Croatian houses were burnt down. The area
is in the UNPROFOR zone (Polish Battalion). The members of UNPROFOR do not
enter the Croatian villages in which the
remaining Croatian residents endure daily maltreatment and
looting of their property.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs from Slunj county.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
010 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 19, 1991, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: While civilians were emerging out of
their basements, armed Serbian residents of Vukovar, along with a
paramilitary Serb unit ("Chetniks") were awaiting them outside, by the
"Jugopetrol" gas station (near the Eltz Castle). One Croatian civilian was
taken to the parking lot in front of the
"NAMA" store and shot in the back.
PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitary forces ("Chetniks"), along with armed
Serbian residents of Vukovar.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
011 CROATIA - MARINCI NEAR VUKOVAR - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Imprisonment of civilians and
confinement in a privately held prison.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 19, 1991, the village of Marinci,
near Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA members opened fire on a group of civilians,
who were escaping from Vukovar, near the village of
Marinci, even though the YPA soldiers knew they were civilians.
They captured the civilians and took them to a basement in
Marinci. Chetniks came and threatened the civilians with a device allegedly
used to gauge "Ustashas" eyes out.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers, and Serbian paramilitary units
("Chetniks"). The witness recognized the following
paramilitaries: Ksenija Orescanin, Nenad Brkic, Zeljko Lakic, and Darko
Fott, all residents of Vukovar.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
012 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 19, Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA soldiers tied (crucified) a
civilian called "Cigo" (Croat by nationality) to a railroad car and fired a
mortar at him.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
013 CROATIA - NEGOSLAVCI NEAR VUKOVAR - November 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Imprisonment and confinement in a privately
held prison.
TIME AND LOCATION: End of November 1991, the village of
Negoslavci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs brought many imprisoned
civilian residents of Vukovar to a basement in Negoslavci. They
held them there with their eyes blindfolded and their hands tied the entire
day and night, and severely beat them.
PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitaries ("Chetniks"), and armed Serb
civilians from Vukovar.
EVIDENCE: Written statement given by a witness currently kept in the
archives of the Department.
Barry Marjanovich
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mladen Radan and Miroslav Guberac were buried in
the local cemetery in Hrvace, in the presence of their relatives and
friends. During the funeral, at 4:10 p.m., the
members of a Serb paramilitary unit fired four mortars from their
immediate vicinity of the cemetery. The region is in UNPA zone
"South", and is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb paramilitary unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 6, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 3,
in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
Kasic (UNPA zone "South").
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
from the village of Smilcic fired seven 120 mm mortars on the
paramilitary unit stationed in the Mandica Glava stronghold fired four
mortars at the village of Kasic. The Serb stronghold is
Members of a Serb paramilitary unit stationed in
the village of Smilcic, and in Mandica Glava.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 6, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 8,
Department.
003 CROATIA - OGULIN/JOSIPDOL - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1991; 8:25 a.m.; Ogulin/Josipdol. SUMMARY
OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of paramilitary units launched an artillery
attack on civilian targets from their positions in
the occupied parts of the former districts of Karlovac and
Ogulin. Ten 130 mm mortars were fired on the Josipdol and Ogulin region.
One woman was slightly injured, and another two were
seriously wounded by shell fragments. They were taken to the
Ogulin hospital and treated there. The shells were fired from
Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 9, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 5,
the Department.
004 CROATIA - KARLOVAC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 8:30 a.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
launched an artillery attack on the centre of Karlovac from their
strongholds in the occupied region (right bank of Korana River). Ten large
calibre shells were fired on civilian objects. One
family house was hit. The attacked was launched from Serb
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units stationed in
UNPA zone "North".
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
005 CROATIA - OTOCAC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 7:50 a.m.; Otocac.
launched a mortar attack on the outskirts of Otocac, and the town itself,
from their strongholds in the occupied village of
Zaluznica (cca 9 kilometres east of Otocac). One person was
killed, while two persons were seriously, and another four
slightly wounded. Over one hundred mortars fell on the town's
centre and damaged approximately seventy residential buildings
strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
006 CROATIA - DUGA RESA - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 1:30 p.m.; the village of
Mrzlo Polje (cca 3 kilometres north of Duga Resa).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the Serb paramilitary units launched
a mortar attack on the town of Duga Resa and surrounding villages from
their strongholds in the occupied region (right
bank of Korana River). 15 shells were fired on this occasion. As a
consequence, one villager of Mrzlo Polje was killed, and
"North". The region is under UNPROFOR control. PERPETRATORS: Members of
Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
007 CROATIA - OTOCAC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 5:30 p.m.; the villages of Sinac and
Ramljani (cca 7 kilometres southeast of Otocac).
from their strongholds in the occupied villages of Podum,
in several residential buildings and industrial
installations. The attack was launched from Serb strongholds in
UNPA zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR control. PERPETRATORS:
Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
"Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives of the
Department.
008 CROATIA - GOSPIC - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; 6:00 a.m.; Gospic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
launched an artillery attack on the city of Gospic and the Licki Osik
surroundings from their strongholds in the occupied
southeast region of the Gospic district. Incendiary shells were
used in the attack, setting on fire many residential and other
zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR control. PERPETRATORS: Members
of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
009 CROATIA - GENERALSKI STOL - September 10, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 6:00 a.m.; Generalski Stol (cca 24 kilometres
south of Duga Resa).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serbian paramilitary units fired
fifty mortars on Generalski Stol and the villages between
the Korana and Mreznica Rivers from their strongholds in the
on the villages between the Korana and Mreznica Rivers, one child was
killed, and several people were wounded by shell fragments.
The attack was launched from the Serb strongholds in UNPA zone
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
title: "Cities Under Mortar Fire". Document currently kept in the archives
of the Department.
010 CROATIA - KARLOVAC - September 10, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack and killing of civilians. TIME AND
LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 11:30 a.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
shelled the city of Karlovac from their strongholds in the
occupied villages of Kamensko (cca 3.5 kilometres east of
Karlovac) and Mekusje (cca 1.5 kilometres east of Karlovac).
Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. more than a hundred shells were fired on
the city from heavy artillery guns, tanks, and multiple rocket-launchers.
Many residential buildings and industrial
were killed by shell fragments, and four more died in the city
hospital, while seventeen persons were seriously, and another six persons
slightly wounded. Among the killed was Tomica Belavic, a journalist from
Radio Karlovac. All of the killed and wounded
strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 6:40; Sisak.
launched a mortar attack on the Sisak area and the industrial
zone on the outskirts of Sisak from their strongholds in the
currently occupied Petrinja. There were no casualties, but
considerable damage was inflicted on the Sisak iron plant
from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North" (Petrinja).
the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 10, 1993; 7:00 p.m.; Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
fired more than 40 mortars (in a 30 minute attack from 7:00 to
7:30 p.m.) on Zadar from their strongholds in the occupied Zadar
hinterland. Considerable damage was caused to residential
buildings and industrial installations, and one civilian was
zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 11, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 3,
the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 11, 1993; 10:30 a.m.; Gospic, Stari Licki
Osik, Vuksic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
launched a mortar and an "Orkan" multiple rocket-launcher attack on the
city of Gospic and the villages of Stari Licki Osik and
Vuksic from their strongholds in the occupied Gospic district.
Two earth-to-earth rockets "Orkan" exploded around 2:30 p.m. Two persons
were wounded, and considerable damage was inflicted on
residential buildings and industrial installations. The attack
was launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is
under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 12, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 3, title:
archives of the Department.
014 CROATIA - KARLOVAC - September 11, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 11, 1993; around 2:00 p.m.;
Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
fired more than 200 various projectiles on the southeast sections of the
of Karlovac), and Tusilovic (cca 15 kilometres
south of Karlovac). Many civilian objects were damaged. Two year old
Valentina Vlahovic was killed in the city. In the Karlovac
refugee centre "Gaza", projectiles damaged or destroyed several prefab
houses, and caused the death of two refugees (Stjepan
Sucec and Mile Zgela), while seven refugees were wounded: Ante
Saric (88 years old); Josip Saceric (36 years old); Fabijan
Bublic (67 years old); Fabijan Skrapina; Antun Sladic (25 years
old), Barica Brucic (83 years old); and Andjelka Vlahovic.
Danijel Rade was killed in Gradec 121 (an outlying housing
strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 12, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 3, title:
archives of the Department.
015 CROATIA - ZAGREB - September 11, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 11, 1993; 7:00 p.m.; the village of Lucko (an
outlying housing development south of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In the explosion of long-range earth- to-earth
rocket "Luna" (NATO code: FROG-7), two civilians were seriously and another
nine slightly wounded. Considerable damage was caused to residential
buildings and industrial installations. A projectile exploded in the
strongholds in the Vrginmost
area (UNPA zone). The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
EVIDENCE: Photographs of destroyed residential buildings and
archives of the Department.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 12, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 3, title:
the Department.
NOTE: The rocket's war-head weighs 420 kilos. In the mid-
seventies (1975), the former YPA purchased enough war-heads to
arm a brigade and use them to form a strategic net with the main base
located around Banja Luka. The number of rockets fired at
various targets to date is larger that the number of rockets that were
initially purchased in Moscow; the Serb forces must have
purchased at least another shipment. The earth-to-earth rockets
"Luna" (FROG-7) "are intended for wide-range attacks on the enemy".
Considering the way that they were employed in this attack, their target
and launching time, it is obvious that they were intended to inflict
considerable damage on civilian objects in the city of Zagreb.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; Sunja (cca 30 kilometres
southeast of Sisak).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
launched an artillery attack on the civilian population and
civilian properties of the town of Sunja from their strongholds
launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 7,
kept in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; 8:01 a.m.; Samobor (cca 20
kilometres west of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
fired four earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets charged with so-called "bells",
from their strongholds in the occupied villages of Stipan and Trepca (cca
45 kilometres south of Zagreb - right bank of Kupa River). In the explosion
of "bells" Alojz Lastovcic (72 years old) was seriously, and Josip
Vranekovic (52 years old) and Igor Bertovic (21 year old) slightly wounded.
Several family
houses were damaged. The earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets were fired from
Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 2,
titles: "The Wounded Brought to Safety", and "'Lunas' and 'Orkans' Took
Turns". Document currently kept in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; 8:00 a.m.; Jastrebarsko
(cca 30 kilometres southwest of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serbian paramilitary units fired
three earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets charged with so-called "bells", from
their strongholds in the occupied villages of Stipan and Trepca (cca 45
kilometres south of Zagreb - right bank of Kupa River). During the
explosion of "bells" Ivan Zoretic (33 years old) and Barica Rodic (49 years
old) were seriously, and
Stjepan Vuksan (56 years old) was slightly wounded. Several
family houses and personal vehicles were damaged. The earth-to-
earth rockets were fired from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone
PERPETRATORS:Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 2,
titles: "The Wounded Brought to Safety", and "'Lunas' and 'Orkans' Took
NOTE: Earth-to-earth "Orkan" rockets are charged with 240 fragments that
are called "bells". During an explosion, the "bells" separate from the
cassette body of the rocket and fall on a wide surface. It is estimated
that some 80% of "bells" do not explode when they fall, but are activated
later by a touch. They are anti-personnel explosive devices.
019 CROATIA - IVANIC-GRAD - September 12, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; around 1:30 p.m.; Ivanic- Grad (cca
35 kilometres east of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
stationed in the occupied area (right bank of Kupa River) fired
at least one earth-to-earth "Orkan" rocket from the multiple
rocket-launcher "Orkan" (charged with so-called "bells"). Mirjana Galic was
the explosion of the "bells". The explosion caused considerable damage,
including the damage on many family
houses, industrial installations, and personal vehicles. The
is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
title: "Death at Lunch Time". September 13, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 2,
the archives of the
Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; around 1:40 p.m.; Kutina
(cca 65 kilometres southeast of Zagreb).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units,
stationed in the occupied area (southeast of Sisak) fired at
least one earth-to-earth rocket from the multiple rocket-
launcher, "Orkan", (charged with so-called "bells"). Three persons were
slightly wounded, and several family houses and
personal vehicles were considerably damaged. The earth-to-earth
is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", p. 2, title:
Department.
021 CROATIA - OTOCAC - September 12, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1993; 6:37 a.m.; Otocac (cca 50 kilometres
northwest of Gospic).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
shelled the Otocac area from their strongholds in the occupied
(east of Otocac). They fired heavy artillery guns,
mortars, howitzers, and an anti-aircraft 30 mm gun charged with
exploding bullets. The shelling lasted until 1:30 p.m. Over 200
projectiles were fired on the town. One person was killed, and
another two seriously wounded by shell fragments. The attack was launched
from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "North". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 13, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik", pp. 2 and 3,
title: "'Orkans' Launched on Samobor, Kutina and Ivanic- Grad". Document
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; 9:40 a.m.; Karlovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
stationed in the southeast occupied region of the Karlovac
district launched an attack with mortars, heavy artillery guns,
projectiles were fired on the city. Three persons were killed and another
eight wounded. The projectiles were fired from Serb
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"North".
archives of the Department.
023 CROATIA -GOSPIC - September 13, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; 1:45 p.m.; Gospic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
launched an artillery attack on the town of Gospic and outlying
housing developments from their strongholds in the east occupied section of
the Gospic district. Several projectiles were fired on the town until 5:00
p.m. One civilian was killed, and another
launched from Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is under
UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 14, 1993 issue of "Vecernji list", p. 6,
of the Department.
024 CROATIA - ZADAR - September 13, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; around 8:00 p.m.; Zadar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units
launched a heavy artillery attack on Zadar from their strongholds in the
occupied Zadar hinterland. One civilian was killed, and
another three civilians were seriously wounded. A two year old
strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
title: "One Resident of Zadar Killed and a Two Year Old Child Wounded"
Document currently kept in the archives of the Department.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1993; Pirovac (cca 25 kilometres west of
Sibenik).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of Serb paramilitary units,
northwest of Pirovac), fired six earth-to-earth
rockets on Pirovac from the multiple rocket-launcher "Oganj". One civilian
was slightly wounded by a shell fragment. Several family houses were
Serb strongholds in UNPA zone "South". The region is under UNPROFOR
control.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units in UNPA zone
"South".
archives of the Department.
X. INSTIGATION TO AGGRESSION AND AN ACT OF AGGRESSION
001 CROATIA - KNIN - September 9, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Use of an ultimatum to instigate
an aggression.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 9, 1993; Knin.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mile Novakovic, the commander of the
the Republic of Croatia, put an ultimatum to the Croatian
government through the UNPROFOR commander, General Jean Cot.
Commander Novakovic demanded that Croatian forces withdraw from
the areas southeast of Gospic before 1:00 p.m., and that "Blue Helmets"
undertake control in the village of Divoselo, near Gospic. Serb forces
threatened to attack "all of the military objects in Croatia", if Croatians
did not meet their demands. General Jean Cot delivered this message from
Knin to the Croatian authorities on September 10, 1993.
PERPETRATORS: Milan Novakovic (Commander of the Serb paramilitary units).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: September 11, 1993 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 3.
of the Department.
Barry Marjanovich
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killings.
of Vukovar.)
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of Vukovar, YPA
soldiers and chetniks imprisoned some 300 persons (the wounded,
civilians, members of the Croatian Army and the police force of
the Republic of Croatia) in a storehouse (50x20 m) at Ovcara. In the
evening, all prisoners were registered. Afterwards, prisoners were taken
out of the storehouse at random, in groups of 20. The witness was summoned
to roll-call at 6:00 p.m., in the fourth
group. After they got out of the storehouse, the prisoners were
ordered to mount a truck. The truck was covered with tarpaulin.
After 20 prisoners mounted the truck, YPA soldiers lowered the
tarpaulin. The witness sat at the tailgate of the truck, and
peeked through a loophole in the tarpaulin as to see where they
were going. He recognized that they were on the road to the
"Grabovo" Co-Operative. After five or ten minutes of the drive the witness
jumped off the truck and remained lying by the road
for about a minute. He heard the truck stopping. Shortly after
that he heard machine gun fire and sporadic gun shots from the
direction of the truck. He dodged the site, and went towards
Vinkovci via Sajmiste (part of Vukovar).
PERPETRATORS: YPA members and chetniks (a Serbian paramilitary
formation from Serbia proper, affiliated with the Serbian Radical Party
whose leader is Vojislav Seselj).
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - September 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; around 5:00 p.m.; Tovarnik (cca 23
kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of the town, YPA members
captured four civilian residents who hid in the basement of Franjo Kuzmic's
family house. The names of the captured
civilians are as follows: Franjo Kuzmic, D. K., J. I. and the
witness. Immediately after the arrest, YPA soldiers maltreated
the prisoners. The prisoners were interrogated in Milenko
Svetlica's house. Franjo Kuzmic was badly beaten. In the morning, the
witness was escorted to his house by a YPA soldier, named Slavko (from
Sid), in order to get his personal belongings. When he returned to the
house where he was imprisoned, there were no other prisoners. When he asked
where the other prisoners were, he was told that they had been executed by
a firing squad. After a brief interrogation, a commander told the witness
that soldiers were going to escort him to Sid. However, when the soldiers
took the witness to the yard, a YPA soldier who knew the witness told him:
"We were ordered to shoot you. We'll shoot in the air, and you run. Go to
Sid." So they did. The witness saw when Franjo Kuzmic was executed by a
firing squad in Milenko Svetlica's garden.
PERPETRATORS: YPA members, among whom were a large number of
Serbian residents from Sid (Serbia).
EVIDENCE: An audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and
civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; 9:20 a.m.; Tovarnik (cca
23 kilometres southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: A convoy of YPA tanks and armoured
transporters from Sid (Serbia) arrived in Tovarnik. Shortly after arriving
in front of the local Co-Operative, the first tank
started shelling civilian objects and properties. One group of
tanks and transporters drove off in the direction of the village of Ilaca
(west of Tovarnik). Towards evening, the YPA forces
launched an attack on the town from multiple rocket launchers.
Ivic, and Luca Cikina's houses, and a building across the local
police station were hit and set on fire. Several personal
vehicles were destroyed. On that day, YPA soldiers fired 62
mortars on the local Catholic church. Stanoje Filipovic's family house in
Zmaj-Jova Street were literally blown apart by a tank
shell. Stanoje Filipovic (labourer in the Co-Operative) and his
working colleague Pajo Milutinovic nicknamed "Duvalo" were killed inside of
the house. The following family houses burnt down: Tuna Grgic's, Drmic's,
Sakic's, Cijakovic's, etc. On September 21,
1991, around 10:00 a.m., a YPA bomber flew from the direction of Serbian
territory, bombed the local radio transmitter, and
machine-gunned the Co-Operative. Afterwards it flew in the
direction of Belgrade.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a YPA armoured unit, and YPA air-force
stationed near Belgrade (Serbia).
EVIDENCE: An audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented by a written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment and
internment of civilians in camps.
TIME AND LOCATION: Around November 22, 1991; Sremska Mitrovica - Belgrade.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness tried to escape from the
occupied Vukovar to Vinkovci. YPA soldiers captured and
maltreated him in the village of Ceric. That same day, he was
transferred to the village of Jankovac where he spent the night
with another four captured civilians. After being interrogated,
all five prisoners were taken to the police station in Sid
(Serbia). From Sid, the witness was transferred to the Sremska
Mitrovica camp, where he was interned until February 4, 1992. On that day,
he was transferred to Belgrade where he was kept in the military prison. He
was released (exchanged) on August 14, 1992. PERPETRATORS: YPA members;
Serbian authorities.
EVIDENCE: A witness' written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
III. WAR CRIMES AGAINST THE WOUNDED AND THE ILL
001 CROATIA/SERBIA -November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Torture and inhumane treatment of the
wounded and ill.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 19, 1991; the Vukovar Hospital.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA members forced the wounded, the
ill, and civilians, who had been brought to the hospital a day
earlier, to leave the hospital. Upon leaving the hospital, YPA
soldiers searched all of them, and took them to Gunduliceva
Street, where buses were waiting. Each bus was guarded by two YPA soldiers
armed with machine guns. While getting on the bus, the witness noticed two
escorts: a YPA military policeman with a
longish hair, and a young, slim, blond, man with a scar under his left eye.
The buses departed from Gunduliceva Street across Marko Oreskovic Square,
and drove along Adzijina, and Tuciceva Streets. They passed the old SDK
building, turned right into Zmajeva Street, and then drove along Kraseva
and Sajmisna Street in the
direction of the Vukovar YPA barracks. Another two buses arrived there soon
after. At 2:00 p.m., busloads of the wounded left the YPA barracks in
Vukovar and drove in the direction of Negoslavci. After a 30 minute ride,
the buses stopped in front of a metal
building cca 50x20 m wide. The witness recognized their
destination to be the "Ovcara" farm. On their way from the buses to the
storehouse, the prisoners had to pass through two rows of YPA soldiers
(active and reservists), and armed individuals with chetnik insignia who
beat them with fists, iron rods, metal
hoses, and rifles, and kicked them with their boots. They took
the prisoners' watches and other valuables, and stripped them of various
items of their clothing. They threw these clothes in a
heap. When the prisoners entered the storehouse, YPA soldiers and chetniks
began maltreating some of them. K. E. endured the worst treatment. Among
the prisoners who were brutally tortured by YPA soldiers and chetniks in
the storehouse were D. D.; Sinisa Glavasevic (journalist for Vukovar
Radio); Z. V.; Z. J.;D. nicknamed B.; M. G.; D. K.; S. D. A man nicknamed
Gaso was taken out of the storehouse. His fate is yet unknown. The witness
noticed many Serb residents of Vukovar among the perpetrators, among whom
was Dusko nicknamed "Frizider".
PERPETRATORS: YPA members (active and reservist), among whom were Serbs
from Vukovar; chetniks (irregular army unit under the direct command of the
Serbian Radical Party led by Vojislav
Seselj); Dusko nicknamed "Frizider" (Serb from Vukovar). EVIDENCE: A
witness' written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of a church.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991; around 11:00 a.m.;
Tovarnik (cca 23 kilometres southeast of Vukovar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Upon arriving in the town, members of a YPA
armoured unit fired 60 tank shells on St. Mathew and Bartholomew Catholic
Church. The priest Ivan Burik hid the parish church documentation in a safe
place. The church was fired upon all day, until evening (Friday, September
20, 1991) but was not
destroyed. On the following day (Saturday, September 21, 1991)
around 11:00 a.m., tanks arrived in the centre of the town, from where they
fired at the church. The priest Ivan Burik observed
through binoculars when the church belfry was blown away.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a YPA armoured unit.
EVIDENCE: An audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - July 7, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and
LOCATION: July 7, 1991; 12:00 a.m.; the village of
Celije (cca 18 kilometres northwest of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Croatian village of Celije (over
95% of Croatian population) is situated between the following
villages: Bobota to east (over 90% of Serb population), Silas to west (over
90% of Serb population), Tenja to north (over 50% of
Serb population), and Ludjvinci to south (over 75% of Serb
population). On July 7, 1991, 12:00 a.m., a combined infantry and mortar
attack was launched on the village of Celije from two
directions: from the village of Bobota (east of Celije) and from the
village of Silas (west of Celije). The villagers of Celije
hid in the basements of several houses located in the centre of
the village. A witness hid in the basement of a local teacher's
house. This house was soon after hit by mortars and destroyed.
Around 6:00 p.m. everything was quiet again, and YPA tanks and
transporter vehicles entered the village. They allegedly arrived in order
to evacuate the wounded, however, after consulting their superior officer,
they evacuated women, children, and elderly
villagers of Celije. YPA soldiers took women, children and
elderly people half way between Osijek and Tenja, and simply left them
there. After a long walk through woods and fields, civilians arrived in
Osijek. On July 8, 1991, around 3:00 a.m., the village of Celije was
attacked for the second time, and the remaining
male villagers were forced to abandon the village. Ivan Mikac
returned to Celije on July 8, 1991, with the intention to feed
his livestock. He was killed inside of his house, and his body
was set on fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; armed Serb civilians from the
villages of Tenja, Bobota and Silas.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 93, under code name:
Witness PR-82. Publishers: Drustvo hrvatskih intelektualki ("Society of
Croatian Female Intellectuals") and Institut za primjenjena drustvena
istrazivanja ("Institute for Research in Applied Social Sciences").
Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - NOVA GRADISKA - September 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement (eviction)
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1991; the village of Gornji Varos
(cca 8 kilometres south of the town of Okucani).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In September 1991, members of YPA
Banja Luka Corps, along with members of Serb paramilitary units
called chetniks and armed Serb residents of Bosnia-Herzegovina,
arrived in the village of Gornji Varos (over 95% of Croatian
population). After their arrival, the life of Croatian villagers became
unbearable. Croatian civilian properties were looted
daily, and several family houses were set on fire in the nearby
villages of Uskoci and Donji Varos. By the end of September 1991, armed and
disguised persons (the witness presumes that they were Serb residents of
nearby villages and towns) ordered Croatians to leave their houses and
properties. Croatian civilians were not
allowed to take with them any of their possessions. Serbs evicted Croatian
civilians across the Sava River, at the bridge near
Bosanska Gradiska, all the way through Banja Luka to Bosanski
Samac. Due to her illness, the witness was admitted to the
Bosanska Gradiska hospital, and after being released from the
hospital care seven days later, she reached Bosanski Samac
through Banja Luka.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers (Banja Luka Corps); members of Serb
paramilitary units called chetniks; armed local Serb civilians.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 111, under code name:
Witness PR-22. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - HRVATSKA KOSTAJNICA - September 8, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 8, 1991; the village of Panjani,
near Hrvatska Kostajnica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: According to a witness' account,
near Hrvatska Kostajnica) fired from an artillery gun on Mladen
Biscan's house and killed four Croatian civilians on September 8, 1991. The
names of the victims are as follows: Gojko Badric
(Stanko and Marta's son, born February 5, 1929), Jagoda
Brkljacic, Mladen Biscan, and Jagoda Biscan (Mladen's wife). The witness
states that on September 9, 1991, the killers forced him and another person
to watch while they were pouring gas over the victims' bodies and setting
them on fire. On September 10, 1991, Orthodox villagers of Panjani arrived
and buried into a mass
grave remains of four killed civilians along with the carcasses
of two dogs and two cats. The witness provides the exact location of this
mass grave.
PERPETRATORS: Nikola Maljak and Jovan Maljak (both Serb villagers of
Panjani, near Hrvatska Kostajnica).
EVIDENCE: A witness' written account currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - HRVATSKA KOSTAJNICA - September 24, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991, Hrvatska Dubica (cca 23
kilometres east of Hrvatska Kostajnica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 13, 1991, YPA launched a mortar and
heavy artillery attack on the town of Hrvatska Dubica from the direction of
Bosnia-Herzegovina (the region of Bosanska Dubica). Numerous Croatian
civilians abandoned the town and
sought shelter in safer regions of the Republic of Croatia. On
September 24, 1991, after the second shelling of the town of
Hrvatska Dubica, from the direction of the Republic of Bosnia-
Herzegovina, members of Serb paramilitary units called
Territorial Defense Unit of the so-called "SAO Krajina" and Martic's unit
arrived in the town and started killing Croatian
civilians. According to the witness' account, the following
civilians were killed in Ivan Dragicevic's house: Ivan Dragicevic (owner of
the house, born January 1, 1931, Croat by nationality) and his neighbour
Djordje Uzelac (born 1951, Milan's son, Serb
from Hrvatska Dubica). On the occasion of the murder, the
following members of Serb paramilitary unit were present besides the
murderer: Jovo Mislenovic, Predrag Konjevic, and Nikola
Nikodic.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers, among whom was a YPA captain Svetozar
Trivanovic (Jovan's son); members of Serb paramilitary units
called Territorial Defense Unit of the so-called "SAO Krajina" and Martic's
unit, among whom were Djordje Uzelac (born 1951,
Milan's son) from Hrvatska Dubica, Jovo Misljenovic, and Nikola
Nikodic.
EVIDENCE: A witness written statement currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - HRVATSKA KOSTAJNICA - October 14, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 14, 1991; Hrvatska Kostajnica
district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since the beginning of the war in the district
of Hrvatska Kostajnica (during 1991), members of Serb
paramilitary units called Territorial Defense Unit of the so-
called "SAO Krajina", chetniks, and members of irregular militia unit
(Serb) called "SAO Krajina Militia" (Martic's unit) have been openly
cleansing the entire region from the autochthonous
Croatian population. In the period between July 16 and November
27, 1991, Serb paramilitary units and irregular militia killed 82 residents
of the Hrvatska Kostajnica district, while another 96
residents were taken in an unknown direction. In the same period, over
3,500 Croatian civilians were displaced from the region. The displaced
civilians found a temporary shelter in free sections of the Republic of
Croatia.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units called
Territorial Defense Unit of the so-called "SAO Krajina" and chetniks,
members of irregular Serb militia called "SAO Krajina Militia" (Martic's
unit).
EVIDENCE: The Report of the Government of the Republic of Croatia
Commission for Hrvatska Kostajnica District from March 5, 1992.
Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
006 CROATIA - BELI MANASTIR - November 18, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement (eviction)
of civilians; killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991; the village of Kozarac (cca 7
kilometres southeast of Beli Manastir).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On November 15, 1991, YPA soldiers,
Serb paramilitary units and armed Serb villagers of Kozarac and
Grubisno Polje, arrived in the village of Kozarac and forcibly
proclaimed the authority of the so-called "SAO Krajina". On November 18,
1991, the self-proclaimed authorities of the so-
called "SAO Krajina" issued an order according to which 18 Croatian
families were forced out of their homes. In order to
successfully evict 18 Croatian families, Serb self-proclaimed
authorities in Kozarac organized the transport of evicted
civilians through Sombor and Novi Sad in the direction of
Bosanski Samac. Before the eviction, members of Croatian families were not
asked to sign, neither they signed any document on the
abandonment of their estates. According to a witness' account,
eight mortars were fired on his daughter's house. The house was
looted and subsequently destroyed. Before armed Serbs destroyed
the house, they had forced its owner to raise a SFRY (Socialist
Federative Republic of Yugoslavia) flag on it. The witness also
reported that armed Serbs killed Ivo Malek (a Croatian villager
of Kozarac).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; armed Serb villagers of Kozarac and
Grubisno Polje; self-proclaimed authorities of the so-called "SAO Krajina".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 102, under code name:
Witness PR-81. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Internment to a concentration camp. TIME AND
LOCATION: July 26, 1991; the village Ravno Rasce (cca 8 kilometres
southeast of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: According to a witness account,
Croatian villagers of Ravno Rasce and took them in an unknown
direction. On July 31, 1991, one of the arrested Croatians was
released, and he confirmed that five other Croatians were taken
to the Samarica Mountain, where they were imprisoned. Their fate is yet
unknown. The witness provided the names of the imprisoned men.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary unit called chetniks. SOURCE OF
INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu svjedocanstava" ("A
Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 132, under code name: Witness PR-19.
Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - PETRINJA - August 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed attack on civilians and
civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: End of August 1991; the village of Hrastovica (cca 5
kilometres south of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: YPA soldiers, members of irregular
Serb militia called Martic's unit, and armed Serb residents of
Petrinja and Glina districts (YPA reservists from Banija)
attacked civilian villagers of Hrastovica (over 95% of Croatian
population). In the afternoon hours, more than 150 shells were
launched on the village at random. During the first few days of
the attack, the belfry of the local church was damaged in the
shelling, and the entire church was subsequently destroyed.
Croatian villagers of Hrastovica panicked and abandoned the
village, due to constant pressure, threats, and fear for their
lives. At the time of the attack on the Croatian village of
Hrastovica, the following villages were also attacked: Hrvatski
Cutnic (over 90% of Croatian population), Prnjavor Cutnicki (over 95% of
Croatian population), Dragotinci (over 75% of Croatian
population), Kraljevcani (over 57% of Croatian population), and
Pecki (some 70% of Croatian population). According to the
witness, a Croatian villager of Hrastovica, Mato Jakopic, was
killed in his yard. Since he was left unburied, his body was torn to pieces
by hogs. All other Croatian civilians were evicted.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of irregular Serb militia
called "Martic's unit"; armed Serbs (members of a reserve YPA unit from the
villages in Petrinja and Glina districts).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 130, under code name:
Witness PR-14. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 2, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 2, 1991; 11:30 a.m.; the town of
Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During July and August of 1991,
members of Serb paramilitary units called Arkan's and Seselj's
units, along with a large number of Serb YPA reservists from
Banija, gathered in the YPA barracks "Vasil Gacesa" in Petrinja. The
commander of the barracks, YPA Colonel Slobodan Tarbuk
provided them with arms and organized the takeover of the local
government in Petrinja district. On September 2, 1991, at 11:30
a.m., he organized a press conference during which time the
anonymous persons staged an attack on the barracks from the
inside. Under the pretext of defending the barracks, Colonel
Tarbuk ordered an infantry and artillery attack on the town of
Petrinja. Domestic and foreign journalists witnessed when YPA
tanks and armoured vehicles got out of the barracks and into the streets,
and commenced the attack on civilian buildings. Their
prime targets were Croatian owned houses. The first Croatian
meat-processing plant "Gavrilovic" was also attacked. YPA planes flew over
the town and fired on it from machine guns.
Unorganized, unarmed, and surprised by the YPA conduct, the
civilians abandoned the town. The attack was repeated on
September 16, 1991 in order to force the remaining Croatian
civilian residents of Petrinja to leave their houses, apartments and
estates. According to the 1991 census, 7,662 Croatians
resided in Petrinja, while the share of Croatian population in
the Petrinja district was close to the share of Serb population
(15,790:15,969).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units
called Arkan's and Seselj's units, under command of a YPA Colonel Slobodan
Tarbuk.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 127, under code name:
Witness PR-100. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - HRVATSKA KOSTAJNICA - September 3, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting of civilian property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 3, 1991; 11:00 a.m.; the village of Stubalj
(ca 10 kilometres north of Hrvatska Kostajnica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The shooting started around 11:00 a.m. Mortars
were launched on the nearby village of Grabostani (over
90% of Croatian population). The witness went to his neighbour's with the
intention to find shelter in his house. On the way to
his neighbour's, he noticed that armed persons dressed in YPA
uniforms were entering the village of Stubalj (over 95% of
Croatian population). Soon after soldiers arrived in his
neighbour's house and forced all Croatians into the street. They did the
same in other houses. While a group of soldiers was
lining up Croatian civilians on the road, other soldiers were
firing on houses from small arms, before looting them. They took away all
civilian property, including television sets, house
items, etc. Another group of soldiers confiscated all tractors
and other agricultural equipment, and they set on fire four
houses. All Croatian villagers of Stubalj were evicted to the
village of Panjani (near Hrvatska Kostajnica) where they were
surrendered to members of Serb paramilitary unit called
Territorial Unit of the village of Kukuruzari. At that point
Serbs separated women and children and took them in the direction of the
village of Veliko Krcevo, where they were imprisoned in
the village Co-operative Club. On September 4, 1991, all
imprisoned villagers of Stubalj were released and returned to the village,
except for 17 young men whom the members of Serb
paramilitary unit called Territorial Unit of the village of
Kukuruzari took to the village of Veliko Krcevo on the following day
(September 4, 1991) when all of them were released and
returned to the village of Stubalj.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary unit
called Territorial Unit of the village of Kukuruzari.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 113, under code name:
Witness PR-11. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - GLINA - October 7, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killings of civilians; internment of
civilians to camps.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 7, 1991; the village of Mala Solina
(cca 8 kilometres north of Glina).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 7, 1991, YPA soldiers,
members of Serb paramilitary unit called chetniks and armed Serb civilians
from the Glina district arrived in the village of Mala Solina (99% of
Croatian population). The witness managed to
escape and hide near the village. On October 31, 1991, he
returned to his house in order to feed his livestock. On the way home, he
passed by a forest and there he found the bodies of his wife and their
neighbour. The women were hanged. He arrived home and was arrested while
feeding the livestock. On the same day, he was taken to Glina and
imprisoned. During detention, he was
physically maltreated, he lost several teeth, and all bones in
his right shoulder were broken. He has the X-ray films to prove
it. The witness was released on March 3, 1992. He claims that he knows
which two YPA soldiers killed his wife and neighbour.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary unit
called chetniks; armed Serb civilians from the Glina district;
the authorities in Glina prison.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 134, under code name:
Witness PR-20. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals and Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
006 CROATIA - BIOGRAD - December 7, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
TIME AND LOCATION: December 7, 1993; 7:00 p.m.; Biograd.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "On Tuesday, December 7, 1993, around 7:00 p.m.,
Serb units launched a mortar attack on Biograd.
Besides several mortars, four projectiles (type "Oganj") were fired on the
centre of the city. Bozena Jokic from Biograd (born 1953) was killed during
the fierce attack on the city. Civilian
buildings were considerably damaged..." Mortars and "Oganj" projectiles
were launched from the section of the Republic of
Croatia that has been occupied by Serb paramilitary formations,
YPA and irregular militia called "SAO Krajina Militia" during 1991. Since
1992, these occupied territories of the Republic of
Croatia has been under the UNPROFOR control. The attack was
launched from the UNPA zone South.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb paramilitary units stationed in the UNPA zone
South.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: December 9, 1993 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p.
6. Title: "Granate usmrtile zenu" ("A Woman Killed By Mortars"). Document
currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
001 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The belfry of St. Mary Magdalene's
Church (16th century) was damaged on October 1, 1991. The church was
further damaged on October 20, 1991, during which time it was hit by two
heavy artillery shells. YPA soldiers burnt it down on October 25, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
002 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Salvation Church, its belfry and cemetery
were damaged during October/November 1991. The
parishioners salvaged the main altar painting "The Ascension of Our Lord",
pierced by two rifle bullets.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
003 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George's Church (1925), and its
steeple were damaged on October 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
004 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John's Church and rectory were
damaged in the period between October 1 and 6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
005 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Lazarus' Church was shelled on
September 29, 1991, during which time its belfry and rectory were damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
006 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption Church (1888) was damaged
in the period between October 1st and 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
007 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vlaho's Church (15th century) was damaged on
October 1, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
008 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Luke's Church was damaged in the
period between October 1st and 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
009 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Assumption Church (1115) was damaged
in the period between October 1st and 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
010 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Franciscan
Church was damaged in the period between October 1st
and 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
011 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sacred Heart Church was damaged on
October 23, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
012 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Stephen's Church (948 A.D.), a
pious endowment of the Croatian king Stephen Miroslav was damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
013 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jacob's Church (former Benedictine Abbey)
was damaged in the attacks during October 24th, and
November 11th and 12th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
014 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Salvation Church (15th century)
was damaged on September 26, 1991. The church cemetery was
ploughed by mortar shells.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
015 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas' Church was damaged in
the period between October 1st and 6th, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
016 CROATIA - DUBROVNIK DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: During YPA and Serb paramilitary
units' attacks on the Dubrovnik region the following sacral
objects have been damaged and/or destroyed: Bishop's Palace
(damaged on November 10, 1991), Roman Catholic Seminary (damaged on
December 6, 1991), Stone Cross on the top of the Srdj Mountain (destroyed
on December 6, 1992), Drzic's and Boskovic's houses
(damaged), numerous cemeteries such as Holy Salvation Church
Cemetery in Vitaljina, Assumption Church Cemetery in Postranje,
Holy Spirit Church Cemetery in Komolac, St. Stephen's Church
Cemetery in Sustjepan, Holy Salvation Church Cemetery in
Mokosica, St. George's Church Cemetery on Osojnik, Assumption
Church Cemetery on Plat, St. Hilarius' Church Cemetery in Mlini, Jewish
Cemetery on Boninovo, and Dubrovnik Holy Cross City
Cemetery.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 62.
.
Barry Marjanovich
I. GENOCIDE
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991; Lovas (east Croatia, cca 17 kilometres
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 10, 1991, at 8:00 a.m., YPA infantry
and members of Serb paramilitary units, among whom were Serb residents of
Lovas, entered Lovas. During the first ten days of the occupation of Lovas,
80 Croatian civilians were killed in various manners, and buried in several
mass graves located in the vicinity of the local Catholic cemetery.
According to the
witness' account, her father I. S., and neighbour S. S. (both
Croatian civilians) were brutally murdered. The witness provides the names
of murdered residents, as well as the names of the
perpetrators who are residents of Lovas.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units,
among whom were Serbs from Lovas.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 28, under code name:
Witness I-69. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals, and the Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
II. WAR CRIME AGAINST CIVILIANS
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forcible displacement (eviction)
of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 17, 1991; the town of Ilok (the most
eastern town in the Republic of Croatia, cca 35 kilometres
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In May 1991, YPA soldiers entered the town and
they frequently fired from heavy machine guns during
night time in order to intimidate residents. The ships which
sailed down the Danube River also frequently fired on the town.
Armed provocations lasted five months, until October 17, 1991.
During the attack of the YPA and various Serb paramilitary forces on the
Republic of Croatia, some 6,000 civilians from Vukovar and Vinkovci
districts found refuge in the town of Ilok. On October
16, 1991, YPA soldiers evicted over 10,000 non-Serb civilians
(mostly Croatians) from Ilok. All persons who were evicted from
Ilok on October 17, 1991 were forced to sign the statement that
they were leaving Ilok "of their own free will", and surrendering all of
their estates to the self-proclaimed Serb authorities in
the town. YPA soldiers singled out young men from the convoy and took them
in an unknown direction. It was not until later that
the witness learnt that those men were taken to the Begejci and
Sremska Mitrovica camps, and to the military prison in Belgrade. A group of
those young men were released in December 1991. The witness provides names
and other personal data of five of them.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), pp. 21 and 23, under code
names: Witness PR-77, Witness PR-79. Publishers:
Society of Croatian Female Intellectuals, and the Institute for
Research in Applied Social Sciences. Document currently kept in
the archives of the Centre.
NOTE: EC monitors were present during the act of eviction of
Croatian civilians from their rightful homes in the occupied
region of the Republic of Croatia.
002 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Arrests, and unlawful imprisonment of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 17, 1991, the village of Petrovci
(cca 12 kilometres southwest of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness was arrested in the
village of Petrovci, on November 17, 1991, while she was trying
to escape from Vukovar. Another woman (M. B. from Vukovar) was
arrested along with the witness. During her attempt to escape
from the occupied Vukovar the witness was wounded, and after the arrest
both women were imprisoned in one room and physically maltreated. On the
following day, the arrested women were
transferred to Sremska Mitrovica prison, where the witness was
medically treated by two doctors from the Vukovar hospital: Vesna Bosanac
and Juraj Njavro (also the prisoners). Over 80 women were imprisoned in the
Sremska Mitrovica prison. The witness was
physically maltreated by her interrogators in order to confess
the crimes that she did not commit.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of prison authorities in
Sremska Mitrovica.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 24, under code name:
Witness L-83. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals, and the Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - PETRINJA - December 13, 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Confiscation of civilian property. TIME AND
LOCATION: December 13, 1993; Petrinja, Ksaver Sandor
Djalski Street.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On December 13, 1993, the UNPROFOR
civilian police vehicle brought to Sisak (free section of the
Republic of Croatia) three Croatian civilians from Ksaver Sandor Djalski
Street, in destroyed and Serb occupied Petrinja: Danica
Fabec (born 1917), Gustav Olovec (born 1921), and Ivanka Moric
(born 1938). The civilians waited over a year for the permission to cross
to the free section of the Republic of Croatia and gain access to adequate
medical treatment. Before leaving Petrinja,
all of three ill persons were forced to sign the statement
according to which they left all of their estates to the self-
proclaimed Serb authorities in Petrinja.
PERPETRATORS: Serb self-proclaimed authorities in Petrinja.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: December 14, 1993 issue of the "Vecernji List"
daily, p. 6. Title: "Izbjeglo troje Petrinjaca" ("Three Residents of
Petrinja Escaped"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR/CAMPS IN SERBIA - November 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Infliction of bodily harm,
inhumane treatment, and killing of prisoners.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 20, 1991, Stajicevo camp (south of Zrenjanin).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The witness was a member of the
Croatian police force and was arrested by Serb forces and taken
to the Stajicevo camp near Zrenjanin (Voivodina, the so-called
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), where he was detained in the
period between November 20, and December 23, 1991. During his
imprisonment in the Stajicevo camp he was physically and mentally
maltreated in order to make various confessions. Camp guards set wild dogs
on prisoners and fired from small arms on prisoners
bodies. The witness saw when five Croatian prisoners were
tortured and killed: Ivan Kunc, Branko Kohn, Bozo Kelava, and
another two prisoners whose names he did not know. Camp guards
fired in the chest of a Croatian prisoner named M. (surname
unknown) who managed to survive. The witness was transferred from the
Stajicevo camp to Nis where he was detained between December 23, 1991 and
February 16, 1992. From the Nis camp, the witness
was taken to the Sremska Mitrovica prison where he was detained
between February 16 and August 14, 1992. He was released on
August 14, 1992. The witness provides names of the perpetrators.
PERPETRATORS: Camp authorities in Stajicevo and Nis, prison
authorities in Sremska Mitrovica.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 24, under code name:
Witness L-83. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals, and the Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL, AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 30, 1991; Bacin (Dubica parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All Saints' Chapel was damaged on
August 30, 1991. On September 13, 1991, it was totally destroyed by tank
shells.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 10.
002 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 3, 1991; Divusa.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The roof of St. Catherine's Church
(1719), along with a part of the church interior, and the
sacristy were destroyed on August 3, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 10.
003 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 13, 1991; Glina.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John Nepomuk's Church (1830) was
bombed several times. On August 13, 1991, it was mined, and the
church steeple was seriously damaged on that occasion.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 11.
004 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 26, 1991; Gornja Bucica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony's Church (1836) and its
rectory were damaged during the shelling on September 26, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 11.
005 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 3, 1991; Gvozdansko.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Philip and Jacob's Church (1796)
was completely destroyed on August 3, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 11.
006 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 3, 1991; Hrastovica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Bartholomew's Church (1843) was
attacked by mortar shells several times, and in the YPA heavy
artillery attack on September 3, 1991, the belfry, recently
renovated roof, and the remaining walls were completely
destroyed. Chetniks built the road over the razed church. Five
local chapels were also destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 11.
007 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1991; Hrvatska Dubica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Trinity Church (1771) was
shelled, mined and burnt down in September 1991. The Blessed
Virgin Mary Cemetery Chapel was completely destroyed and burnt
down in September 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 11.
008 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Jasenovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The belfry and the entire roof of St. Nicholas'
Church (1st category cultural monument) were destroyed in early November
1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 11.
009 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 3, 1991; Hrvatska Kostajnica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas' Church (1706) was
damaged by mortar shells on August 3, 1991. St. Anthony's
Franciscan Church was mined and damaged by mortar shells on
August 3, 1991. The church was mined for the second time on All
Saints Day's Eve (October 31, 1991). St. Anne's Cemetery Chapel
was also mined on All Saints Day's Eve (October 31, 1991).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 12.
010 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: Early October 1991; Lasinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Church was
damaged in the mortar attack in early October 1991, during which time its
roof, belfry and walls were seriously damaged. After
that, the church was burnt down and the chetniks turned the
belfry into a sniper nest. St. Elizabeth's Cemetery Chapel was
seriously damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 12.
011 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Maja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Elias' Church was seriously
damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 12.
012 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 3, 1991 to September 13, 1992;
Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Lawrence's Church was first
damaged in the YPA attack on September 3, 1991. The attack was
led from the yard of the rectory, and on this occasion, three
mortars hit the belfry of the church, while the church roof was
also damaged by several mines. St. Lawrence's Church was further damaged on
September 16th and 19th, and on February 22, 1992
(around midnight) it was mined and razed with the ground. St.
Catherine's Church was first damaged on September 14, 1991, and
on September 19/20 the church was almost completely destroyed.
St. Rochus' Cemetery Church was completely destroyed on March 19, 1992, by
an explosive device placed inside the church. St. Elias' Church on the hill
above Petrinja was seriously damaged. St.
Benedict's Cemetery Church was completely destroyed on March 19, 1992. On
the same day, Holy Trinity Cemetery Church was
completely destroyed and burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 13.
013 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Topusko.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Visitation of Mary Church (1830) and
rectory were repeatedly hit by mortar shells, and later on mined and blown
to pieces. The remains were bulldozed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 14.
014 ZAGREB DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and
properties.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991; Vukmanic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua Church (1789),
the B category cultural monument, was damaged on October 10,
1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication: "Sacral Institutions on Target", 1992,
Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, p. 14.
XI. RACIAL AND OTHER DISCRIMINATION
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: National discrimination.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991, Lovas (east Croatia, cca 17 kilometres
southeast of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In her account, the witness reports
the conditions in which Croatian residents of Lovas lived after
being occupied on October 10, 1991, by YPA soldiers and members
of Serb paramilitary unit called "Dusan Silni" (who arrived to Lovas from
the towns of Valjevo, Kragujevac and Bubanj Potok in
Serbia), along with members of Serb paramilitary unit called
Territorial Defense Unit (armed Serb residents of Tovarnik,
Opatovac and Lovas). The self-proclaimed occupying authorities
immediately banned free movement around the town between 00.00
and 10.00 a.m., and between 12:00 and 00.00 a.m., which actually meant that
it was allowed to freely move in the town only two
hours a day. This prohibition applied to Croatian residents only. Serb
self-proclaimed occupying authorities issued orders
according to which every Croatian who remained in the town had to hoist
white flag on his house as a sign of obedience, and he or
she had to wear a white ribbon on his or her sleeve. After a
while, the so-called work obligation was introduced which applied only to
Croatians, between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The witness
was forced to execute hard labour, although she is a seriously
ill person (she has only one kidney).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb paramilitary unit
called "Dusan Silni" (Serbians from Serbia proper); members of paramilitary
unit called Territorial Defense Unit (Serbs from
Tovarnik, Lovas and Opatovac).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document published in the book "Stotinu
svjedocanstava" ("A Hundred of Testimonies"), p. 27, under code name:
Witness L-67. Publishers: Society of Croatian Female
Intellectuals, and the Institute for Research in Applied Social
Sciences. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre. NOTE:
November 20/21, 1993 issue of "Borba" daily, pp. 3 and 4, in the section
"Tema" ("Topic"). Title: "Sve srpske paravojske" ("All Serb Irregular
Forces"). In this article, it is mentioned that the Serbian People's
Revival Party, presided by Mirko Jovic, formed a paramilitary unit called
"Dusan Silni" whose commanders were Mirko Jovic and Milorad Bastaja
(tradesman from Pancevo). It is also mentioned that the same party formed
another paramilitary unit called "Beli Orlovi" ("White Eagles") under the
command of Dragoslav Bokan. This unit is responsible for the massacre of
Croatian villagers of Vocin (Podravska Slatina county, Croatia).
XIII. ORGANIZING OF PARAMILITARY FORMATIONS
001 SERBIA - BELGRADE - June 4, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Organizing of paramilitary groups in order
to instigate and commit genocide, along with other war
crimes.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 4, 1991; Belgrade (Serbia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... The idea about instituting of the Serbian
Guard cropped up after YPA military collapse in Slovenia (summer 1990),
with the intention to gradually develop into a
Serbian Army. The initiating force was the Serbian Revival
Movement (hereafter: SPO - Srpski pokret obnove) presided by Vuk Draskovic.
In charge of the realization of the Serbian Guard
were: Branislav Matic nicknamed "Beli", a Serbian-European businessman who
gave several thousands of Deutsch Marks for the
"Serbian cause", and who carried Milosevic's pictures at many
antibureaucratic meetings; Djordje Bozinovic nicknamed "Griska" who did not
hide the fact that he committed several important
assassinations while in service of the SFRY State Security
Service; Lale Brkic, a businessman from Australia and a major
financier. Branislav Matic nicknamed "Beli" immediately designed membership
cards and people started joining in by large numbers. It is presumed that
35,000 people joined in during the first
several weeks. Stevan Jelic alias Steve Rengers (a U.S.A. special units
officer) was in charge of the military training of members of the Serbian
Guard. The training was carried out in the YPA
barracks in Zrenjanin, Backa Topola, Smederevska Palanka,
Petrovaradin, etc. On August 3, 1991, the police attempted to
arrest the first commander of the Serbian Guard, Djordje
Bozinovic nicknamed "Giska", but he jumped off the second floor of the
Slavija Hotel in Belgrade, and escaped. On August 4, 1991, the review of
2,000 soldiers of the Serbian Guard was held in
Takovo. Upon his return from Takovo, Branislav Matic nicknamed
"Beli" was killed near his house. The SPO President Vuk Draskovic demanded
the suspension of the Serbian Guard operations for an indefinite period of
time. Twenty days later, Djordje Bozovic
nicknamed "Giska" led four companies of guardsmen ("Karadjordje", "Tanasko
Rajic", "Draza Mihajlovic" and "Branislav Matic - Beli") from Serbia to
Croatia, to the Gospic district where Giska was
killed soon after under strange circumstances. Lale Brkic
returned to Australia. In December 1991, the deputy of late
Giska, Branislav Lainovic nicknamed "Dugi" registered the Serbian Guard
with the Serbian Ministry of Justice as an non-ideological citizens'
society. The Serbian Guard units are still fighting in the Republic of
Croatia (in the so-called Republic of Serb
Krajina"), and they are being provided with arms by a YPA Colonel Stojan
Spanovic."
PERPETRATORS: Serbian opposition party called Serbian Revival
Movement; YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: November 20/21, 1993 issue of "Borba" daily, p. 3,
in the section "Tema: Sve srpske paravojske" ("Topic: All Serb Irregular
Forces"). Title: "Ispracaj uz trubace i kamere" ("Departure in the Presence
of Buglers and Cameras"). Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 SERBIA - BELGRADE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Organizing of paramilitary groups in order
to instigate and commit genocide, along with other war crimes.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991, Belgrade (Serbia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: When the beginning of the YPA
aggression on the Republic of Croatia, Zeljko Raznjatovic
nicknamed "Arkan" formed a paramilitary unit called "Serbian Volunteer
Guard. The recruitment office was in Belgrade, and most of the people who
joined up were "Delije" (the fans of the Belgrade soccer team "Crvena
Zvezda"). The main staff of the Serbian Volunteer Guard was transferred
from Belgrade to the
village of Erdut (Osijek district) by the end of summer 1991. All members
of this paramilitary unit underwent the military training in the so-called
Erdut Training Centre. According to the "Borba" daily, over 10,000 persons
have been trained in that centre.
Members of this paramilitary unit have obtained infantry and
artillery arms. Under the direct command of Zeljko Raznjatovic
nicknamed "Arkan", members of the Serb Volunteer Guard called "Arkanovci"
("Arkan's unit") committed numerous war crimes and grave breached of the
humanitarian law in the Republic of Croatia such as murders, arrests,
physical maltreatment, eviction of non- Serb civilians from Eastern
Slavonia and Baranja (Koprivna,
Sodolovci, Borovo Naselje, Tenja, Erdut, Dalj, Vukovar, Beli
Manastir...) Members of this paramilitary unit participated in
the crimes committed in other crisis areas in the Republic of
Croatia (Western Slavonia, Lika, Banija, Kordun, Dalmatinska
Zagora), as well as in the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina (an
obvious example is the town of Bijeljina). Due to their extreme
brutality and political differences in Knin (the main
headquarters of Serb insurgents in the Republic of Croatia), it
was published during 1993 that members of the Serbian Volunteer
Guard called "Arkanovci", and their founder and commander "Arkan" were
unwelcome on the territory of the self-proclaimed Serb
artifice in the Republic of Croatia.
PERPETRATORS: Zeljko Raznjatovic nicknamed "Arkan".
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: November 20/21, 1993 issue of "Borba" daily, p. 3,
in the section "Tema: Sve srpske paravojske" ("Topic: All Serb Irregular
Forces"). Title: "Ispracaj uz trubace i kamere" ("Departure in the Presence
of Buglers and Cameras"). Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 SERBIA - BELGRADE - spring 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Organizing of paramilitary groups in order
to instigate and commit genocide, along with other war
crimes.
TIME AND LOCATION: Spring 1991; Belgrade (Serbia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... Volunteers of the Serbian Radical Party
(hereafter: SRS - Srpska radikalna stranka) have been
fighting from the beginning of the war, from spring 1991. The
president of the SRS is Vojislav Seselj. It is presumed that the SRS have
sent between 30,000 and 50,000 of his soldiers (called
"chetniks" or "Seseljevci"-"Seselj's unit") to the front-lines in Croatia
and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Chetniks are mostly selected in
Belgrade. Their departures to the front-line are often
accompanied with Serbian Television cameras, highly publicizing
in this manner radicals and Seselj. After that radicals are
transported in groups to the nearby YPA barracks where they are
given YPA uniforms and all of the necessary equipment. With the
same buses, they proceed to the front-lines, passing on their way all local
police and military checkpoints. The YPA provide them
with arms in the immediate vicinity of the front-line. The arms
are issued at the receipt and all local YPA units had
documentation on the issued arms. The recruited chetniks'
personal data is kept in the SRS headquarters in Belgrade, where they are
recruited. Most of the chetniks are of peasant origin,
but with the residence in some regional centre (Belgrade,
Smederevo, Leskovac...). The SRS provide chetniks with "military salaries",
financial aid, funeral fees... The military training of the chetniks is
done in the YPA barracks, mostly in the town
of Prigrevica (south of Sombor). They are structured in
companies, units, battalions, and even regiments. Their
commanding officers are called "voivodas". They have insignia on their caps
or fur caps (most often these are cockades or unmarked Serbian tricolours.
They have their black flag with white human
scull and two crossed bones and the inscription "Freedom or Death" beneath
it. Chetniks greet among themselves with "God be with you brothers
chetniks". Certain battalions have their names such as "Hajduk Veljko".
Units have names such as "Petar Mrkonjic", "Giska and Beli"..."
PERPETRATORS: Serbian opposition party SRS; YPA.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: November 20/21, 1993 issue of "Borba" daily, p. 3,
in the section "Tema: Sve srpske paravojske" ("Topic: All Serb Irregular
Forces"). Title: "Ispracaj uz trubace i kamere" ("Departure in the Presence
of Buglers and Cameras"). Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
004 SERBIA - BELGRADE
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Organizing of paramilitary groups in order
to instigate and commit genocide, along with other war crimes. TIME AND
LOCATION: Belgrade (Serbia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... The first Serbian volunteer that was killed
in the war was Voja Milic. He was killed on May 2, 1991, in Borovo Selo
(Vukovar district, Croatia), and he was a
member of the volunteer unit "Dusan Silni", organized by the Serbian
People's Revival Party (hereafter: SNO - "Srpska narodna obnova") presided
by Mirko Jovic. The commander of the "Dusan Silni" unit is Milorad Bastaja,
a tradesman from Pancevo. Members of this unit wear cockades with
two-headed white eagle on their
caps. They have all types of small arms. They recognize the
supreme YPA command. Members of the unit are recruited through
the SNO in Belgrade, and are prone to Milan Babic's political
fraction in Knin. In the armed conflicts in Croatia, several
members of the Main Board of the party have been killed. The SNO president
Mirko Jovic often participated in the military
operations of the "Dusan Silni" unit. The SNO organized the "Beli Orlovi"
comprised of young members of the SNO, and led by
Dragoslav Bokan. In the eyes of the Serbian public, the "Beli Orlovi" unit
are responsible for the massacre of Croatian
villagers of Vocin (Podravska Slatina district, Croatia)..." PERPETRATORS:
Serbian opposition party SNO; YPA.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: November 20/21, 1993 issue of "Borba" daily, p. 3,
in the section "Tema: Sve srpske paravojske" ("Topic: All Serb Irregular
Forces"). Title: "Ispracaj uz trubace i kamere" ("Departure in the Presence
of Buglers and Cameras"). Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
005 SERBIA - BELGRADE - 1990
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Organizing of paramilitary groups in order
to instigate and commit genocide, along with other war crimes.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 1990, Belgrade (Serbia).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: "... Serbian Hawks were formed in August 1990,
at the time of posting barricades on the roads in the Republic of Croatia
(Knin, Benkovac, Obrovac...). Serbian
Hawks are Belgrade students, led by me, who gathered royalist-
prone and patriotic youth with the intention to defend Serbian
nation." These are the words of Sinisa Vucinic, the leader of this
paramilitary formation (November 20/21, 1993 issue of
"Borba" daily, p. 4, article: "Krivci su negdje drugdje" ("Criminals Are
Somewhere Else"). Members of this paramilitary formation participated in
the aggression on non-Serb population
in Herzegovina (the village of Ravno), and in the Republic of
Croatia (Dubrovnik, Ston...). The military training of the
members of this paramilitary formation is done in the YPA
barracks in Zubacki Ubli (Montenegro). Serbian Hawks consist of
the following units: "Zute Ose" ("Yellow Wasps"), "Zuti Mravi" ("Yellow
Ants"), "Igor Mandic", and "Young Montenegrins Unit". In early August 1993,
seventy members of those units were arrested
by the Mladic's special police from Pale (B-H) and charged with
war crimes committed in Zvornik (B-H), and for the war
profiteering. Among the accused were brothers Vojin Vuckovic
nicknamed "Zuca", and Dusan Vuckovic. After being arrested, they were
detained in the Bijeljina prison, but were soon released
under strange circumstances. According to Vojislav Seselj,
Borislav Jovic (Socialist Party of Serbia - SPS) personally
intervened in their behalf. According to the members of this Serb
paramilitary formation, 20 kilos of melted gold, 50 vehicles
"Golf" (VW), and 600,000 Deutsch Marks were confiscated from them when they
were arrested.
PERPETRATORS: Sinisa Vucinic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: November 20/21, 1993 issue of "Borba" daily, p. 3,
in the section "Tema: Sve srpske paravojske" ("Topic: All Serb Irregular
Forces"). Title: "Ispracaj uz trubace i kamere" ("Departure in the Presence
of Buglers and Cameras"). Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
.
Barry Marjanovich
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 2, 1991; Vinogradska Street,
Petrinja (near Evica Cuckovic's store).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Vladimir Kundrata (Ivan's son, born
August 22, 1926) was murdered in Vinogradska Street in Petrinja
(near Evica Cuckovic's store) on September 2, 1991. His body was buried in
the nearby garden.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 3/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 12, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 12, 1991; the village of Hrastovica, Petrinja
district (cca 3 kilometres south of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 12, 1991, Marija Vracan
(Ivan's daughter, born September 10, 1927) and her husband
Stjepan Vracan (Lovro's son, born August 12, 1923) were killed in their
yard in the village of Hrastovica, house no. 64.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 32/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 13, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 13, 1991; the village of Hrastovica, Petrinja
district (cca 3 kilometres south of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Josip Vracan (Matej's son, born
November 18, 1923 in Hrastovica, house no. 66) was killed near
his shed on September 13, 1991, and his body was buried in his
yard.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 20/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 19, 1991; the village of Cepelis,
Petrinja district (cca 2 kilometres south of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 19, 1991, Ivan Dumbovic
(Ivan's son, born September 22, 1943) was killed in his yard in
the village of Cepelis, house no. 78. His body was buried at the scene of
the crime.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 1/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
005 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 21, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Cerekova Street no. 43-c, Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Josip Stojanovic (Tomo's son, born
March 8, 1939 in the village of Hrastovica), a resident of
Petrinja, Cerekova Street no. 43-c, was killed in the cellar of
his family house on September 21, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 10/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
006 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 22, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 22, 1991; Gupceva Street in
Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Branko Hodalin (Josip's son, born
September 22, 1937 in Petrinja) was killed in Gupceva Street in
Petrinja on September 22, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 5/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
007 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 24, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Ivica Cacic (Jakob's son, born
September 28, 1968 in Petrinja) was taken to the Petrinja YPA
barracks "Vasil Gacesa" on September 24, 1991. Since then, no information
has been available about his whereabouts.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 18/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
008 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 24, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991; YPA barracks "Vasil
Gacesa" in Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Rudolf Kisur (Rudolf's son, born April 5, 1940
in the village of Vedro Polje, Sisak district) was killed and subsequently
buried in the Petrinja YPA barracks "Vasil Gacesa" on September 24, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 22/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
009 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 25, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 25, 1991; Radiceva Street in
Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 25, 1991, Kata Miksic
(Josip's daughter, born February 18, 1908) and her husband Pavao Miksic
(Katarina's son, born April 30, 1918) were killed in front of their family
house in Radiceva Street no. 146. The bodies of
the killed spouses were buried in the mass grave that was dug out by a
bulldozer near Dragan Cicic's (from Petrinja) summer house. PERPETRATORS:
Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 29/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
010 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 25, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 25, 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Ankica Konjuh from Petrinja (a
resident of Vinogradska Street no. 65) was killed and mutilated
on September 27, 1991. The perpetrators chopped off her leg, and threw the
rest of the body into fire.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
217/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
011 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September 30, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 30, 1991; the village of Graberje,
Petrinja district (cca 12 kilometres southwest of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Tomo Bunjan (Ivan's son, born July 17, 1949 in
the village of Graberje, Petrinja district), a resident
of the village of Graberje, house no. 114, was killed in his
village on September 30, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
165/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
012 CROATIA - PETRINJA - September, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September, 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Josip Roksa (Josip's son, born
November 28, 1945) was killed in Petrinja in September 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
180/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
013 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 3, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 3, 1991; the village of Sibic,
Petrinja district (cca 10 kilometres southwest of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 3, 1991, Magdalena Sostaric (nee
Vrbanac, Nikola's daughter, June 11, 1931) was killed in the yard of her
family house in the village of Sibic, house no. 45.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 24/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
014 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 3, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 3, 1991; the village of Sibic,
Petrinja district (cca 10 kilometres southwest of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 3, 1991, Blaz Drazetic
(Pavle's son, born February 2, 1930 in the village of Sibic) was killed at
the entrance to his yard in the village of Sibic, house no. 52.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 23/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
015 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 6, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 6, 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Stanko Bugarin (Josip's son, born
April 10, 1945 in Petrinja) a resident of the village of Pecki,
house no. 25, was killed in Petrinja on October 6, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 26/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
016 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 10, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 10, 1991; the village of Taboriste,
Petrinja district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 10, 1991, Jelica Palaic
from the village of Taboriste was killed in the immediate
vicinity of the house owned by Bara Tisinic (Ivan's daughter,
born November 4, 1934), and her body was buried in her yard.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 27/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
017 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 17, 1991; Sisacka Street, Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 17, 1991, Branko Kovacevic (Luka's
son, born March 28, 1927 in Hrvatska Kostajnica) a
resident of Petrinja, Sisacka Street no. 103/2, was killed in his yard.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 19/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
018 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 20, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 20, 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Josip Brnat (Djuro's son, born April
18, 1936 in the village of Pecka, Vrginmost district), a resident of
Petrinja, Stajcerova Street no. 19a, was killed on October 20, 1991, and
his body was subsequently buried in the garden of his
family house.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 13/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
019 CROATIA - PETRINJA - November 1, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1, 1991; Gajeva Street, Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On November 1, 1991, Mato Gener
(Stjepan's son, born February 7, 1904 in Petrinja) was killed
near his family house in Petrinja, Gajeva Street no. 66. His body was
buried in his garden.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
131/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
020 CROATIA - PETRINJA - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; the village of Glinska Poljana (cca 14
kilometres west of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mara Starcevic (nee Rastovski) from
the village of Glinska Poljana, was killed in her yard in Glinska Poljana,
house no. 124, in November 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 12/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
021 CROATIA - PETRINJA - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In his account, a witness reports that 13
civilians (4 women and 9 men) were killed in Petrinja in
November 1991:
1. Branko Loncarevic (May 5th Street, Petrinja);
2. Kata Vukovic (Vinogradska Street, Petrinja), killed around
November 15, 1991;
3. Milan Mitarevic (Vinogradska Street, Petrinja);
4. Blaz Skriljac (Slavko Kolar Street no. 32, Petrinja);
5. Ivan Hrncevic (Slavko Kolar Street, Petrinja);
6. Ivo Malinac (Stajcerova Street, Petrinja);
7. Kata Malinac (Stajcerova Street, Petrinja);
8. Ivo and Kata Malinac's son (Stajcerova Street, Petrinja);
9. Ivo (a blind switchboard operator who used to work at the
switchboard in the "Gavrilovic" company);
10. Ivo's (under no. 9) wife;
11. Ivo's (under no. 9) son;
12. Stipo Cindric (a dentist), taken to the village of Josevica
(cca 16 kilometres southeast of Petrinja) and killed; his body
was subsequently brought to Petrinja and buried at St. Benedict
Catholic Cemetery;
13. Paula Cindric (Stipo's wife, also a dentist), taken to the
village of Josevica and killed; her body was subsequently brought to
Petrinja and buried at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
217/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
022 CROATIA - PETRINJA - December 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Stjepan Subic (Petar's son, born
January 1, 1946 in the village of Puska, Novska district), a
resident of Petrinja, R. Korac Street no. 13, was killed in
Petrinja in December 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
234/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
023 CROATIA - PETRINJA - December 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 1991; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In his account, a witness reports that two
civilians were killed in Petrinja in December 1991:
1. Milan Zagorac (Vinogradska Road, Petrinja);
2. Antun Jaso (Vinogradska Street, Petrinja).
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
217/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
024 CROATIA - PETRINJA - January 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 1992; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: According to his account, a witness
reports that three women were killed in Petrinja in January 1992: 1. Stefa
Saric (May 5th Street, Petrinja);
2. Jela Krovic (May 5th Street, Petrinja);
3. Mima Aramina (May 5th Street, Petrinja).
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
217/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
025 CROATIA - PETRINJA - March 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In his account, a witness reports that two
civilians (a woman and a man) were killed in Petrinja in
March 1992:
1. Zvonko Fabac (May 5th Street, Petrinja);
2. Kata Mitarevic (Milan's wife, Vinogradska Street, Petrinja).
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
217/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
026 CROATIA - PETRINJA - April 5, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: April 5, 1992; Popova Suma (Priest's Forest)
in Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mato Gerdijanic (Stjepan's son, born
February 13, 1918, a disabled person), a resident of Petrinja,
May 5th Street no. 14, was killed on April 5, 1992 in Popova Suma in
Petrinja, where he was subsequently buried.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 4/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
027 CROATIA - PETRINJA - May 19, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 19, 1992; K. Knezic Street, Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On May 19, 1992, Miljenko Pezelj
(Juraj's son, born January 20, 1939), president of the Petrinja
District Court, was killed in his family house in K. Knezic
Street no. 7, Petrinja.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 2/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
028 CROATIA - PETRINJA - July 21, 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 21, 1992; Petrinja.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: An employee of the Petrinja District
Court, Vlatka Antic (Vlado's daughter, born September 21, 1946) a resident
of Petrinja, Banija Proletarian Company Street no. 12,
was killed in Petrinja, on July 21, 1992.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1
214/93.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
029 CROATIA - PETRINJA - January 2, 1994
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: January 2, 1994; the village of Knez Gorica,
Karlovac district (cca 11 kilometres southeast of Karlovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On Sunday, January 2, 1994, the bodies of Evica
(40 years old) and her husband Josip (43 years old)
Sepac were found in the village of Knez Gorica. Members of the
UNPROFOR informed the Karlovac authorities of the murder of the
Sepavac spouses and reported that the common investigation of the UNPROFOR
civilian police and the so-called "Krnjak Militia" (the irregular police
unit from the village of Krnjak) was underway.
On January 3, 1994, the official phone conversation between the
Croatian Army liaison officer and Major Dragan Kovacic (the Serb insurgents
representative) was made public during which time
Major Dragan Kovacic stated that the bodies of the murdered Sepac spouses
were buried on January 3, 1994, at the Catholic cemetery in the village of
Vukmanic (cca 12 kilometres southeast of
Karlovac), that they were to be exhumed, brought to Karlovac for the
autopsy, and subsequently buried.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators yet unknown. The official authorities of the
Republic of Croatia shall be informed of their names and motives after the
official investigation of the UNPROFOR police
is completed.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 5, 1994 issue of "Vecernji List" daily, p.
6. Title: "Ubijena obitelj Sepac" ("The Murder of the Sepac Family").
Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
IV. WAR CRIMES AGAINST PRISONERS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 30, 1991; Glina prison.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 30, 1991, Stjepan Smisl
(Karlo's son, born May 4, 1942 in Petrinja) was killed in the
Glina prison, where he was taken after his arrest.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 2/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - PETRINJA - October 5, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 5, 1991; the village of Gora, Petrinja district
(cca 7 kilometres west of Petrinja).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Mato Stanic (Mato's son, born January 19, 1964
in the village of Kriz Hrastovacki, Petrinja district)
was captured and taken to the village of Gora, where he was
detained in Stevo Dvornekovic's garage, and subsequently killed
on October 5, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 7/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - GLINA - October 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 19, 1991; Glina prison.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On October 19, 1991, Ivan Palaic
(Ivan's son, born August 23, 1945, from the village of Taboriste, house no.
2, Petrinja district) was killed in the Glina prison,
where he was imprisoned after his arrest.
PERPETRATORS: Perpetrators' personal data available at the
Petrinja District Court (presently seated in Sisak), the case no. R1 a/92.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: July 1993 issue of "Petrinjski Obzor" bi- annual no.
25, pp. 10-11. Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
Barry Marjanovich
II. WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of
TIME AND LOCATION: August 5, 1991; the village of Ostrovo (cca 6 kilometres
north of Vinkovci).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 5, 1991, a group of twenty
members of a Serb irregular unit, dressed in "SAO krajina" uniforms,
stopped a bus full of Croatian villagers of Antin and
Tordinci, who were returning home from Vinkovci after work, on
the road linking the Serb-populated village of Ostrovo, and the
Croatian-populated village of Tordinci. The soldiers beat and
maltreated the passengers, and took away all of their valuable
belongings, jewelry and money. The passengers recognized Serbs
from the Serb-populated village of Markusica among the
perpetrators.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit dressed in "SAO krajina"
uniforms (villagers of Markusica).
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; p. 282. Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
002 CROATIA - EASTERN CROATIA - August 11, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of
TIME AND LOCATION: August 11, 1991; Djakovo, Vinkovci, Zupanja,
Osijek, Vukovar and Ilok.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 11, 1991, 11:00 a. m., a
formation of 18 YPA planes flew from the west, and dived over the cities of
Djakovo, Vinkovci, Zupanja, Ilok, Vukovar and Osijek.
After this incident, three formations of YPA planes (four planes in each)
dived over the railway station in Vinkovci and flew in
the direction of Sid (Vojvodina). The inhabitants of the above
mentioned counties (eastern Croatia) were intimidated by this
action.
PERPETRATORS: YPA air force pilots.
Vinkovci; p. 285. Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
003 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 11, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 11, 1991, YPA soldiers
attacked the civilian targets in the city of Vinkovci from the
"Djuro Salaj" army barracks. The alleged cause for this attack was the
escape of 31 YPA reservists on September 11, 1991,
between 12:00 a. m. and 1:00 p. m., who put themselves under the protection
of the Croatian civilian authorities in Vinkovci. The fugitives were 30
Hungarians and one Serb who were, according to their own words, brought
from Vojvodina (Backa) under pretense
that they were attending a "30 day military training". The commander of the
Vinkovci YPA barracks demanded that the Croatian authorities in Vinkovci
surrender the fugitives, and when this
was not done, he threatened to attack the city. The attack on the civilian
targets (civilians, civilian property, civil
institutions) in Vinkovci started at 6:15 p. m., and it lasted
until late at night. In this attack, YPA soldiers employed
artillery guns, howitzers, heavy machine guns, and other infantry weapons.
Due to timely precautions (various protection measures
and taking shelter in time) there were no casualties.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers stationed in the "Djuro Salaj" YPA barracks in
Vinkovci.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; p. 290. Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
004 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 14, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 14, 1991, YPA soldiers
and Serb irregular units stationed in the Serb-populated villages of
Ostrovo and Gabos (north of Vinkovci) launched an air and
artillery attack on the civilians and civilian property in
Vinkovci. On September 15, 1991, 6:15 p. m., the YPA and Serb
irregular units launched an extensive attack on the city of
Vinkovci, during which time the following residents of Vinkovci
were killed:
1. Pero Gacic (born 1932, resident of Vinkovci, Nazorova Ulica
no. 24, killed by shell fragments near the old supermarket on
September 14, 7:00 p. m.);
2. Becir Cekic (born 1954, resident of Vinkovci, Ulica I.
Kukuljevica no. 2, killed by shell fragments near the old
supermarket on September 15, 9:40 a. m.);
3. Jela Matanovic (born 1956, resident of Vinkovci, Nazorova
Ulica no. 43, killed by shell fragments near the old supermarket on
September 15, 1991, 9:50 a. m.);
4. Vlatka Vuckovic (born 1971, resident of Vinkovci, Ulica M.
Ivanica no. 48, killed by shell fragments in her family house on September
16, 1991, 4:00 p. m.).
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; pp. 290 and 315. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
005 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 19, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attacking and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 19, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 19, 1991, YPA planes
bombarded the city of Vinkovci with cluster bombs (250 kilos).
Simultaneously, members of a Serb irregular unit launched an
artillery attack on the city. Two civilians were killed during
the attack:
1. Djuro Nezic (born 1947, resident of Vinkovci, B. J. Soskocevic block no.
6, killed by shell fragments in front of the Vinkovci
hospital, 7:30 a. m.);
2. Marija Banjevac (63 years old, resident of Vinkovci, killed by shell
fragments near the Vinkovci hospital on September 19, 1991, 9:30 a. m.).
PERPETRATORS: YPA air force pilots; members of a Serb irregular
unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; pp. 290 and 317. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
006 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 21, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attacking and killing of
civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 21, 1991, around 6:00 p. m., YPA
planes bombarded the city of Vinkovci with cluster bombs (250 kilos). One
of the bombs fell on the family Baric's house in Ulica H. V. Hrvatinica no.
34 and killed the civilians who hid in the basement of the house. The
following civilians were killed
during the attack:
1. Anka Baric (born November 8, 1954, killed by a bomb explosion, in the
basement of her house on September 21, 1991, 6:00 p. m.); 2. Zvonimir Baric
(born April 3, 1946, killed by a bomb
explosion, in the basement of his house on September 21, 1991,
6:00 p. m.);
3. Radivoj Trbovic (born 1931, resident of Vinkovci, Ulica
Kosovara no. 17, seriously wounded by shell fragments in the
street on September 21, 1991, 4:00 p. m., died at the surgery
ward of the Vinkovci hospital on September 21, 1991, 4:55 p. m.); 4. Marko
Vukovic (born 1928, resident of Vinkovci, Ulica Bana
Jelacica no. 49, seriously wounded on September 21, 1991, 8:00 a. m., died
at the surgery ward of the Vinkovci hospital at 12:00 p. m.);
5. Mario Jukic (a minor, resident of Vinkovci, Ulica A. Zrinseka no. 17,
killed in the basement of his building on September 21,
1991, 6:00 p. m.).
PERPETRATORS: YPA air force pilots.
Vinkovci; pp. 290 and 318. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
007 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 24, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians and civilian
property; killing of civilians.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 24, 1991, YPA planes
attacked Vinkovci and the surrounding villages ten times. They
threw nerve gas on the east section of the city. At 11:05 a. m., a fierce
artillery attack was launched on the city during which
time the building of the District Court in the city centre burnt down,
along with St. Eusebius and Polion's Church rectory, the
office of the president of the Vinkovci County Assembly, the
local forester's office, the building of the Trade Centre (Riesel House),
the sub-station... The following civilians were killed
during the attack:
1. Stjepan Sarcevic (84 years old, resident of Nustar, Nustarska Ulica no.
11, seriously wounded by a bomb explosion in his house on September 24,
1991, 3:20 p. m., died at the surgery ward in
the Vinkovci hospital on the same day, 7:00 p. m.);
2. Anica Agicic (born July 26, 1923, resident of Nustar,
Kolodvorska Ulica, seriously wounded by a bomb explosion in her
house on September 24, 1991, 7:00 p. m., died at the surgery ward of the
Vinkovci hospital on the same day, 9:10 p. m.);
3. Zvonko Saric (49 years old, resident of Nustar, Kolodvorska
Ulica no. 6, killed by an aircraft projectile in his house on
September 24, 1991, 7:00 p. m.);
4. Stjepan Bencic (born January 22, 1944, resident of Antin,
Ulica Z. Sremca no. 9, killed by shell fragments in his car while he was
driving down the Glagoljaska Ulica (Vinkovci) on September 24, 1991, 9:00
a. m.);
5. Tvrtko Basic (born February 15, 1965, resident of Vinkovci
Ulica F. Sisica no. 18, killed by a bomb thrown off a YPA plane
in Duga Ulica on September 24, 1991, 11:30 a. m.).
PERPETRATORS: YPA air force pilots.
Vinkovci; pp. 290 and 320. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
008 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 30, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 30, 1991; Vinkovci county.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 30, 1991, 400 military
vehicles (tanks, transporter vehicles, trucks...) and a large
number of YPA soldiers departed from the town of Sid (Vojvodina, near the
Croatian border) towards the Vinkovci county in the
Republic of Croatia. YPA soldiers attacked the village of
Djeletovci and set fire to the oil containers.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
009 CROATIA - KORENICA - November 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
30 kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In November 1991, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Stipe Alar (40 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
010 CROATIA - KORENICA - February 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: February 1992, the village of Podlapaca (cca
30 kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In February 1992, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Mico Corak (63 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
011 CROATIA - KORENICA - June 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: June 1992; the village of Podlapaca (cca 30
kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In June 1992, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Nikola Paun (62 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca. At the time of the murder, the UNPROFOR
headquarters and the battalion from Czech Republic were stationed in the
village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
012 CROATIA - KORENICA - July 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 1992; the village of Podlapaca (cca 30
kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In July 1992, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Kaja Begic (60 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca. At the time of the murder, the UNPROFOR
headquarters and the battalion from Czech Republic were stationed in the
village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
013 CROATIA - KORENICA - October 1992
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1992; the village of Podlapaca (cca 30
kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In October 1992, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Tomo Corak (70 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca. At the time of the murder, the UNPROFOR
headquarters and the battalion from Czech Republic were stationed in the
village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
014 CROATIA - KORENICA - March 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: March 1993; the village of Podlapaca (cca 30
kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In March 1993, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Marija Mesic (80 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca. At the time of the murder, the UNPROFOR
headquarters and the battalion from Czech Republic were stationed in the
village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
015 CROATIA - KORENICA - July 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 1993; the village of Podlapaca (cca 30
kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In July 1993, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Ana Vracar (56 years old), a Croatian
villager of Podlapaca. At the time of the murder, the UNPROFOR
headquarters and the battalion from Czech Republic were stationed in the
village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
016 CROATIA - KORENICA - September 1993
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 1993; the village of Podlapaca (cca 30
kilometres southwest of Korenica).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: In September 1993, members of a Serb
irregular unit killed Nikica Petanovic (24 years old), a Croatian villager
of Podlapaca. At the time of the murder, the UNPROFOR
headquarters and the battalion from the Czech Republic were
stationed in the village.
PERPETRATORS: Members of a Serb irregular unit.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: January 20, 1994 issue of "Vjesnik" daily, p. 8.
Title: "Nitko nije mogao zajamciti sigurnost" ("No One Could Guarantee
Safety"). Document currently kept in the archives of the Centre.
V. UNLAWFUL WOUNDING OR KILLING OF THE ENEMY
001 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - August 22, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Wounding or/and killing of
Croatian policemen.
TIME AND LOCATION: August 22, 1991; 4:20 p. m.; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 22, 1991, 4:20 p. m., a YPA plane
opened a machine gun barrage on a group of Croatian
policemen during their training class at the "Ljeskovac" shooting-range, in
the Novo Selo suburb of Vinkovci, although the training class had been
properly announced. One policeman (Franjo Gilja, born 1959, resident of the
village of Nustar, Vidova Ulica no. 5) was killed, and another six
policemen were wounded. The
wounded policemen received medical attention at the Vinkovci
Medical Centre, where the bodies of the killed policemen were
post-mortem examined.
PERPETRATORS: YPA air force pilots.
Vinkovci; pp. 286 and 314. Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VI. EMPLOYMENT OF PROHIBITED MILITARY DEVICES
001 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - May 2, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Breach of a non-violence
agreement.
TIME AND LOCATION: May 2, 1991; Borovo Selo (cca 8 kilometres
north of Vukovar).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On May 2, 1991, a Croatian police unit was
directed to Borovo Selo with the task to investigate the
incident from the previous night when two regular Croatian
policemen were detained in the village. Before the incident in
which two policemen were unlawfully detained, the representatives of the
local communities and the leading political parties in the area had agreed
upon the cease-fire, the citizens had removed all the road barricades, and
the entire area had been peaceful for
ten days. Therefore, the kidnapping of two policemen who were on the
regular patrol was obviously staged to trap the Croatian
policemen. When the Croatian police unit reached the scene of the incident,
they were ambushed and caught in a cross-fire. They called the Vinkovci and
Osijek police stations for support. In the two hour confrontation twelve
Croatian policemen were killed, and another 21 policemen were wounded. The
names of the killed policemen are as follows:
1. Stipan Bosnjak (born 1956, resident of Nustar);
2. Zdenko Perica (born 1965, resident of Nustar);
3. Ivan Vucic (born 1961, resident of Vinkovci);
4. Luka Crnkovic (born 1970, resident of Otok);
5. Zoran Grasic (born 1969, resident of Otok);
6. Marinko Petrusic (born 1966, resident of Tovarnik);
7. Antun Grbavac (born 1961, resident of Nijemci);
8. Mladen Saric (born 1969, resident of Novi Jankovci);
9. Zeljko Hrala (born 1968, resident of Ivankovo);
10. Janko Covic (born 1965, resident of Ivankovo);
11. Josip Culej (resident of Jarmine);
12. Mladen Catic (resident of Zupanja).
The Croatian policemen who were wounded in Borovo Selo were
attended by two medical field teams from the Vinkovci Medical
Centre. Members of the Vukovar police station, who were part of
the Vinkovci police staff, arrested one of the perpetrators,
Slavko Arbutina (born 1967, resident of Borovo). He was surprised at his
position during the attack, and the members of the
Croatian police detained him after confiscating his arms. On May 10, 1991,
the District Attorney's Office in Osijek brought
charges against Vukasin Soskocanin (president of the Borovo Selo branch of
the Serbian Democratic Party) who participated in
several shows on the Belgrade and Novi Sad televisions and
bragged in public that he had personally led the brutal show-down with the
Croatian police in Borovo Selo. He stated: "I killed six Croatians, and I
shall kill 600 more!" On May 10, 1991,
Soskocanin repeated his allegations in a Novi Sad Television
show. Ilija Gligorijevic (vice-president of the Serbian People's Revival)
stated: "Voja Milic, a member of our party from Nova Pazova, was killed in
the first brunt attack by the Croatian
policemen. He was stationed in the Slavonija, Baranja and West
Srijem regions, along with other 700 members of the "Dusan Silni" volunteer
unit." Vojin Vuletic (secretary general of the Serbian Chetnik Movement
from Serbia) claimed that the Movement had
established its staff in Borovo Selo, and that the chetniks
participated in the attack on the Croatian policemen in Borovo
Selo.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serbian paramilitary formations "Dusan Silni" and
"Chetniks" from Serbia; along with Vukasin Soskocanin (president of the
Borovo Selo branch of the Serbian Democratic
Party) led the attack.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; p. 265; the articles published in May 5,
1991, May 7, 1991, May 12, 1991, and May 17, 1991 issues of
"Vecernji List" daily. Documents currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: End of December 1991; Brezovica.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: At the end of December 1991, a YPA
surface-to-surfaced missile destroyed all the stained-glass
windows on the west side of the Carmelite Nuns Convent and
Church.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
002 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: Early November 1991; Cernicka Sagovina.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Luke's Chapel was demolished in
the early November 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
003 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 30, 1991; Cernik.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter's Parish Church was damaged by mortars
on December 30, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
004 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: Mid-September 1991; Cerovljani (Hrvatska
Dubica Parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Catholic church in Cerovljani was
heavily damaged in mid-September 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
005 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: Early October 1991; Caglic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. George's Church (built in 1869)
was damaged in the early October 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
006 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 4, 1991; Cetekovec (Nova Bukovica
Parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Nicholas Tavelic's Catholic Church (built
1970) was completely destroyed by hand grenades.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
007 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 27, 1991/January 1992; Cuntic.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Anthony of Padua's Catholic Church (built
1699, damaged in World War II, and completely renovated in 1990) was hit by
six mortars on July 26th, 1991, but did not
sustain any considerable damage at that point in time. On July
27, 1991, the church and the Franciscan monastery were completely
demolished, doused with gasoline and set on fire. Before the church had
been destroyed, Serbian terrorists took the church
bells (one constructed in 1704, and the other in 1936) and other precious
inventory, and transported them to Serbia. The remaining walls were mined
and blown up by mid-January 1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
008 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Daruvar.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Trinity Church in Daruvar
sustained a considerable damage.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
009 CROATIA - ZAGREB ARCHDIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Desni Stefaneki (Lasinja Parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Chapel was
demolished and burnt down.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 10.
010 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - September 17, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of scientific and
cultural institutions.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 17, 1991; 4:00 a. m.; Vinkovci.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On September 17, 1991, 4:00 a. m., YPA soldiers
and members of Serb irregular units fired incendiary
ammunition on the building of "Narodna knjiznica i citaonica" ("Public
Library and Information Centre") and on the building of "Hrvatski dom"
("Croatian Club"). Over 80,000 volumes of books, rare publications and
manuscripts were destroyed by fire.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; p. 290. Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
X. INSTIGATION TO AGGRESSION AND AN ACT OF AGGRESSION
001 CROATIA - VINKOVCI - August 9, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Verbal instigation to aggression. TIME AND
LOCATION: August 9, 1991; the village of Mirkovci (cca 1 kilometre east of
Vinkovci).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On August 9, 1991, a public meeting
was held in the Serb-populated village of Mirkovci, at which
Jovan Raskovic, Goran Hadzic and Ilija Koncarevic (leaders of the Serbian
Democratic Party) made their public appearance. In their speeches to the
Serb audience, they invited "Slavonian Serbs to secede from the Republic of
Croatia", and as to the manner of secession they recommended them to
establish paramilitary bodies and use all available means.
PERPETRATORS: Leaders of the Serbian Democratic Party - Jovan
Raskovic, Goran Hadzic, and Ilija Koncarevic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: "Annual" no. 9, 1991, Ogranak Matice Hrvatske in
Vinkovci; p. 282. Document currently kept in the
archives of the Centre.
.
Barry Marjanovich
001 CROATIA - PAKRAC - October 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991; Pakracki Vinogradi (east section of
Pakrac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: By mid-October 1991, in the Pakracki
Vinogradi area, the following Croatian civilians were killed:
1. Lucija Kroupa;
2. Zvonko Miler;
3. Zvonko Hunjat;
4. Dragica Hunjat;
5. Lazo Grubenic;
6. Ivo Smidt;
7. Zdravko Smidt;
8. Roza Tetes;
9. Djuro Tetes;
and another three unidentified persons.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit called "Territorial Defense
Unit of Western Slavonia": Nenad Bojic; Milan Kovacevic; Predrag Sarajlija;
Rajko Loncarevic; Drago Kovacevic, and Boro
Relic. This murder of civilians was ordered by Branko Pavic, a
former deputy commander of the Pakrac police station.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
002 CROATIA - PAKRAC - December 15, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 15, 1991; the village of Japaga,
Pakrac district.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On December 15, 1991, the following
Croatian civilians were killed in Marina Zvonaric's house in the village of
Japaga:
1. Vlado Zvonaric;
2. Ankica Zvonaric;
3. Ante Validzic;
4. Ivo Latinski;
while another two persons were seriously wounded:
1. Marina Zvonaric;
2. Marija Validzic.
PERPETRATORS: Members of Serb irregular unit called "Territorial Defense
Unit of Western Slavonia": Mirko Djuric; Zeljko
Sokolovic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
003 CROATIA - BENKOVAC - December 21, 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Mass killing of civilians.
TIME AND LOCATION: December 21, 1991; the village of Bruska (cca 14
kilometres northwest of Benkovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On December 21, 1991, around 7:30 p.
m., members of Serb irregular unit (31 soldiers, among whom was
Bogdan Bagic) killed ten civilian villagers of Bruska (nine
Croatians and one Serb) in the village of Bruska, Benkovac
district. Members of Serb irregular unit physically maltreated,
and forcibly evicted other villagers of Bruska.
PERPETRATORS: Slobodan Bogunovic, Mile Bogunovic, Momir
Bogunovic, Mirko Bogunovic, Darko Bogunovic, Dragan Bogunovic,
Bogdan Gagic, Cedo Gagic, Neven Gagic, Dalibor Lukic, Stevo
Milanko, Bogdan Milanko, Milos Milanko, Miladin Milanko, Djordje Milanko,
Mirko Milanko, Lazo Pupovac, Zeljko Pupovac, Mile
Pupovac (I), Veljko Pupovac, Gnjatija Pupovac, Milan Pupovac,
Mile Pupovac (II), Drago Pupovac, Slobodan Skokna, Dusan Skoric, Zoran
Skoric, Nikola Skoric, Cedo Skoric, Cedomir Skoric, Ruzica Vojvodic.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Document currently kept in the archives of the
Centre.
VIII. DESTRUCTION OF SACRAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC OBJECTS
001 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 16, 1991; Djakovo.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral was
attacked on September 16, 1991, during which time the church
front and roof were damaged. Bishop's Palace (windows), Chapter
House (front and windows) and Seminary (windows) were also
damaged in the same attack. Sisters of Holy Cross Catholic Church (B
category monument) was slightly damaged on September 22, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
002 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Djeletovci (Nijemci parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John Capistrano Subsidiary Church was
attacked, during which time the church roof, walls, and the belfry were
severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
003 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Erdut (Dalj parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: All Saints' Catholic Church was
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
004 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Ernestinovo (Jovanovac parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Holy Trinity Church was severely
damaged, during which time its recently built belfry was
destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
005 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Gornja Bebrina (Klakar parish).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local church was damaged, during which time all
of the church windows were broken.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
006 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 24, 1991; Hrastin (near Osijek).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Local church was damaged on September 24, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
007 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: September 21, 1991; Ilaca.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Jakob's Church (built in 1780) was severely
damaged in the September 21, 1991 attack, during which
time the church roof and the rectory were destroyed, while the
walls and the bells were damaged. Blessed Virgin Mary Church
(built in 1866, recently renovated) was damaged on September 21, 1991. On
September 23, 1991, YPA tanks levelled the church. YPA
soldiers and chetniks consequently burnt down the church ruins.
Holy Cross Cemetery Church was demolished on September 23, 1991.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
008 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: July 27, 1991; Ilok.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. John Capistrano Catholic Church
was shelled twice, during which time the apse roof tiles and the edge of
the roof were destroyed.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
009 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Jarmina.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Vendelin's Church (built in 1846, a
registered cultural monument) was attacked during which time
the church roof, belfry, walls and the rectory were damaged. The church was
further damaged in the repeated attack on April 9,
1992.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
010 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Josipovac.
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Joseph's Parish Church was
slightly damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 16.
011 CROATIA - DJAKOVO DIOCESE - 1991
DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of churches and church property.
TIME AND LOCATION: 1991; Jovanovac (Ivanovac).
SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: St. Rosalia Parish Church (built in
1904) was attacked, during which time the church belfry, and roof were
destroyed, while the church walls were severely damaged.
PERPETRATORS: YPA soldiers; members of Serb irregular units.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Publication "Sacral Institutions on
Target", Croatian Information Centre, Zagreb, 1992, p. 17.
.
JR
NEWS MEANS NEW....NEW INFO.....
Barry Marjanovich <bmarja...@iprimus.ca> wrote in message
news:01bf4384$1932b1c0$75441f9e@cald9zglkc...
> I. GENOCIDE
>
> 001 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, UNPA Zone East (Eastern Slavonia,
> Baranja and Western Srijem).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Since July 1991 until August 28, 1993, illegal
> Serbian military formations and civilian
> authorities deported approximately 125,000 non-Serbs from the territory of
> the Republic of Croatia, currently UNPA Zone East.
> Since the deployment of the UNPROFOR in this region in 1992, illegal
> Serbian military and civilian authorities have forcibly
> displaced approximately 5000 and killed approximately 700 non-Serb
> individuals.
> PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian military and civilian authorities in UNPA
> Zone East.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
> page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
> currently kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 002 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, city of Vukovar.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Vukovar forcibly
> displaced the following Croatians: Nevenka
> Jasinski (born 1963), Zoran Jasinski (born 1981), Sandra Jasinski (born
> 1982) and Goran Jasinski (born 1987). The displaced
> persons were escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint by representatives of the
> ICRC.
> PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the city of Vukovar.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
> page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
> currently kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 003 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Dalj (approximately 17 km
> north of Vukovar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of
> Dalj forcibly displaced Luja Bajakic-Janjic (Croat,
> born 1928). She was escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by
> representatives of the ICRC.
> PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Dalj.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
> page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
> currently kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 004 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Trpinja (approximately 11
> km northwest of Vukovar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Trpinja forcibly
> displaced Janja Ivancevic (Croat, born 1914).
> She was escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by
representatives
> of the ICRC.
> PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Trpinja.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
> page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
> currently kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 005 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Berak (approximately 13 km
> south of Vukovar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Berak forcibly
> displaced Danka Ivkovic (Croat, born 1921). She was escorted to the
> UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by representatives of the ICRC.
> PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Berak.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
> page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons
> From Sector East". Document currently kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 006 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 27, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Nijemci (approximately 26
> km south of Vukovar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Illegal Serbian authorities in Nijemci forcibly
> displaced Liza Bozanovic (Croat, born 1912).
> She was escorted to the UNPROFOR checkpoint near Nemetin by
representatives
> of the ICRC.
> PERPETRATORS: Illegal Serbian authorities in the village of Nijemci.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 28, 1993,
> page 5, titled "Eight More Displaced Persons From Sector East". Document
> currently kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 007 CROATIA - UNPA ZONE EAST - August 26, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Forced displacement of the civilian
> population (ethnic cleansing).
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 27, 1993, village of Slakovci (approximately 17
> km southeast of Vinkovci).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Representatives of the illegal "Red Cross" from
> the village of Mirkovci forcibly displaced Marija Jagric (Croat, age 70)
> and escorted her to the Croatian-Serbian border between the villages of
> Jamena (Serbia) and Strosinci (Croatia) where the displaced woman was
> received by members of the Croatian Red Cross and Ante Kui}, a member of
> the UNPROFOR commission for operations in UNPA Zone East.
> PERPETRATORS: Representatives of the illegal "Red Cross" from the village
> of Mirkovci.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
> 1993, page 4, titled "Across a Mine Field to Freedom". Document currently
> kept in the archives of the Department.
>
>
> II WAR CRIMES AGAINST CIVILIANS
>
> 001 CROATIA - KOVACIC NEAR KNIN - June 28, 1992
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
> terror, attack on civilian properties.
> TIME AND LOCATION: June 28, 1992, village of Kovacic near Knin.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the irregular militia drove in
> Land-Rovers in front of the house of an eye-witness and opened fire from
> the automatic guns on the house. After the shooting they threw tear-gas in
> the house. Although the region is under UNPROFOR protection, the Croatian
> civilians are being daily maltreated and oppressed. The members of the
> UNPROFOR forces often smuggle scarce items from the unoccupied parts of
> Croatia, and resell those items to certain Serb black-marketeers.
> PERPETRATORS: Members of the irregular militia in the Knin county.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 002 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA - September 20, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment of civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: September 20, 1991, Siroka Kula (14 kilometres
northeast
> of Gospic).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA entered the village of
Siroka
> Kula, arrested two Croatian civilians (A. O. and A. O.) and took them in
an
> unknown direction. The fate of the arrested civilians is yet unknown.
> PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 003 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA - May 16/17, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Unlawful imprisonment and killing of
> civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: May 16/17, 1991, village of Siroka Kula (14 kilometres
> northeast of Gospi}).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serbs and members of an irregular militia
> force ("Martic's unit"), took the following Croatian civilians in an
> unknown direction: J. N., A. N., P. N., I. N., and K. N. After several
days
> I. N. returned home to fetch some clothes, after which he was obliged to
> return to the prison. On this occasion he said that the Serbs killed with
> knife Kata
> Niksic. The members of the YPA took away the arms which belonged to the
> Civilian Defense Service. Braco Zagorac was with them. The armed Serbs and
> members of Martic's unit forbid the Croatian villagers of Siroka Kula to
> buy food supplies in the local store.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbs and members of the irregular militia ("Martic's
> unit") from the village of Siroka Kula.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 004 CROATIA - SIROKA KULA NEAR GOSPIC - May 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Employment of measures of intimidation and
> terror, killing of civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: May 1991, the village of Siroka Kula (14 kilometres
> northeast of Gospic).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Armed Serb villagers of Siroka Kula put up
> barricades on the village roads. They told the Croatian villagers of
Siroka
> Kula to leave the village. The main initiator of intimidation and terror
> against Croatian civilians was Spaso Djukic (a Serb). At the entrance to
> the village, near the barricade, armed Serb villagers of Siroka Kula
killed
> four young Croatians. Iso Potkonjak (a Serb) was among the perpetrators.
> The armed Serbs, along with the irregular militia (Martic's unit),
> occupied Novi Licki Osik, and almost all significant objects in the town
> (the railroad, the railway station, the police station, the local plant...
> ).
> PERPETRATORS: Spaso Djukic, Iso Potkonjak, armed Serb villagers of Siroka
> Kula and Novi Licki Osik, members of the irregular police ("Martic's
unit).
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 005 CROATIA - SKABRNJA NEAR ZADAR - November 18, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, 7:40 a.m., village of Skabrnja (west
> of Benkovac).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Heavy artillery and infantry attack by the YPA,
> and armed Serb civilians from nearby villages was launched at the Croatian
> villagers of Skabrnja. Some villagers recognized a Serb nicknamed "Ivanez"
> among the perpetrators. The attackers destroyed Croatian residential and
> farm buildings.
> PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA and armed Serbs from nearby villages.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 006 CROATIA - SKABRNJA NEAR ZADAR - November 18, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, village of Skabrnja (west of
> Benkovac).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Members of the YPA and armed Serbs from
> neighbouring villages encircled and attacked the village of Skabrnja. 29
> YPA armoured vehicles (tanks and transporters) participated in the attack.
> During the attack there were 50 civilians in the village. After entering
> the village, the members of the YPA and armed Serbs took civilians from
> their cellars. An eye-witness saw the Serbs arrest three elderly men, and
> one elderly woman. All of the killed people were Croatian civilians. The
> surviving civilians were taken to the Benkovac YPA barracks in military
> vehicles. The eye-witness recognized Zoran Draca (a Serb) among the
> perpetrators. Draca was dressed in YPA uniform.
> PERPETRATORS: Members of the YPA, armed Serbs from the surrounding
villages
> and Zoran Draca.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 007 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18/19, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, killing of civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 18/19, 1991, Vukovar (basement of the
> administrative building of the "Komerc" company).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Five or six thousand civilians and wounded
found
> shelter from constant shelling in the basement of the "Komerc" company
> building. In the night between November 18th and 19th, YPA tanks shelled
> the building. The YPA members threw tear-gas in the basement among the
> civilians and the wounded. The civilians put up a white cloth and emerged
> out of the basement. An eye-witness saw 7 or 8 killed civilians in the
> basement. They were killed by mortars which were fired on the shelter. In
> front of the "Komerc" building the civilians were encircled by soldiers
> dressed in YPA uniforms (olive-drab) and wearing five pointed star symbols
> on their caps.
> PERPETRATORS: YPA members.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 008 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Looting and destruction of civilian
> property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 1991, Vukovar.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Predrag Petrinjac (a Serb) beat and robbed a
> Croatian civilian A. H. He took 1,000 DM and 40,000 Croatian Dinars from
> her. He took her glasses and crushed them under his feet.
> PERPETRATORS: Predrag Petrinjac (a Serb resident of Vukovar).
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 009 CROATIA - VUKOVAR - November 18, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Internment of civilians in concentration
> camps.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 18, 1991, Vukovar.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: After the occupation of Vukovar, members of
> paramilitary formations ("Chetniks"), led by Vojvoda (a Chetnik officer)
> Mirko Novkovic "Capalo", brought civilians to the "Velepromet" premises,
> and turned the company into a concentration camp. In this camp, armed
Serbs
> determined the fate of certain Croatian civilians. Serbian occupying
forces
> established the so-called National Court-Martial which brought summary
> convictions. This court was located in the "Velepromet" office building.
> PERPETRATORS: Chetnik Vojvoda Mirko Novkovic "Capalo"; Inga Stankovic
> (father's name Mirko); Zoran Stankovic (father's name Mirko); Nenad
Zigic -
> an inspector in the former Vukovar police station; Milan Torbica; and the
> so-called Captain Dragan (all Serbs).
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 010 CROATIA - TITOVA KORENICA - March 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Killing of civilians.
> TIME AND LOCATION: March 1991, the village of Rastovaca (27 kilometres
> north of Titova Korenica).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb irregulars killed Bara Komljenovic, an
> elderly woman from the village of Rasovaca near
> the Plitvice Lakes.
> PERPETRATORS: Serb irregulars ("Chetniks").
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written report currently kept in the archives of
the
> Department.
>
> 011 CROATIA - SV. FILIP I JAKOV - August 26, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, physical abuse and
> destruction of civilian property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, at approximately 5:00 pm, in Sv. Filip
> i Jakov (approximately 25 km southeast of Zadar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces attacked the
> civilian population in the village of Sv. Filip i Jakov from the villages
> of Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane. Artillery, tank, mortar and
> multi-barrel rocket launchers were
> used. The Croatian civilian Ante Fantina was seriously wounded, while
> Silvestar Fantina sustained minor injuries. Several homes and civilian
> property was damaged. The attack was launched from villages located in
> UNPA Zone South.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the villages of
> Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane, situated in UNPA Zone South.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
> 1993, page 4, titled "Hell in Biograd". Document kept in the archives of
> the Department.
>
> 012 CROATIA - BIOGRAD NA MORU - August 26, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, murder and destruction
> of civilian property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, at 6:35 pm, in Biograd Na
> Moru (approximately 28 km southeast of Zadar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces attacked the
> civilian population in the town of Biograd Na Moru from the villages of
> Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane. Artillery, tank, mortar and
> multi-barrel rocket launchers were used. Marija Zilic, a displaced person
> from the village of Polaca near Benkovac, was killed in the attack.
> Several homes were
> destroyed. Serbian paramilitary forces also fired shells containing a
> flammable mixture in order to ignite a fires. The attack was launched from
> villages located in UNPA Zone South.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the villages of
> Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane, situated in UNPA Zone South.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
> 1993, page 4, titled "Hell in Biograd". Document kept in the archives of
> the Department.
>
> 013 CROATIA - TURANJ - August 26, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, resulting in physical
> injury.
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, in Turanj (approximately 22 km
> southeast of Zadar).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces attacked the
> civilian population in the town of Turanj from their
> positions in the villages of Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane.
> Artillery, tank, mortar and multi-barrel rocket launchers were used.
> Mirjana Pedisic, a Croat, was seriously wounded in the attack. The attack
> was launched from villages located in UNPA Zone South.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the
> villages of Kakma, Lisane Tinjske, Tinj and Zapuzane, situated in UNPA
Zone
> South.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
> 1993, page 4, titled "Hell in Biograd". Document kept in the archives of
> the Department.
>
> 014 CROATIA - ZADAR - August 26, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, resulting in physical
> injury.
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 26, 1993, Zadar.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces launched two
> attacks on civilians in Zadar from their positions in
> surrounding villages. At exactly 8:50 pm tanks opened fire on Zadar.
> Seven persons were seriously wounded. At 9:00 pm multi- barrel rockets
> were fired on Zadar. The civilian Sinisa Krajsic (age 35) was killed in
> this attack, and his wife was seriously
> wounded. Also during this attack, six persons were seriously wounded.
> Both attacks resulted in great material damage to
> civilian property. The attack was launched from villages located in UNPA
> Zone South.
> PERPETRATORS: Serbian paramilitary forces from occupied villages in the
> Zadar hinterland, situated in UNPA Zone South.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Nnewspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
> 1993, page 4, titled "Tanks on Civilians". Document kept in the archives
> of the Department.
>
> 015 CROATIA - OGULIN - August 30, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on civilians, resulting in physical
> injury.
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 30, 1993, at 1:00 pm, Ogulin district.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serbian paramilitary forces launched small and
> heavy arms fire at 1:00 pm from their positions near the village of
> Vojnovac and the town of Plaski. Over 100 projectiles of various calibre
> fell on villages in the Ogulin
> district inhabited by Croatians. Armed Serbian paramilitary forces
> directed their attacks first towards the following villages: Pavlic,
> Radosic and Modrus. Subsequently, the cities of Josipdol and Ogulin also
> came under fire. There were several civilian casualties. The UNPROFOR was
> informed of the attacks, however this did not result in a cessation of
> hostilities. The
> attacks were launched from Serbian positions in UNPA Zone North.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian paramilitary forces from the village of
> Vojnovac and the town of Plaski (UNPA Zone North).
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vjesnik", August 31, 1993,
> page 9, titled "Tank Fire on Ogulin, Josipdol and Brinje". Document kept
> in the archives of the Department.
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991, village of Vaganac
> (approximately 25 km north of Korenica).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic church Sv. Kriz in the village of
> Vaganac, built at the end of the 18th century, was seriously damaged
during
> World War II. Repairs and renovations to the church were completed in
> 1963. At the beginning of September 1991, tank and artillery grenades from
> Serbian fire severely damaged the church. Following the occupation of the
> village of Vaganac on October 8, 1991, Serbian forces mined and destroyed
> the church and rectory.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 002 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: December 4, 1991, village of Smoljanac (approximately
> 27 km north of Titova Korenica).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Sv. Ivana Krstitelja, the oldest chapel in the
> parish district of Dreznik Grad, was located in the village of Smoljanac.
> Armed Serbs burnt down the chapel on December 4, 1991.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of
> the Department.
>
> 003 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 27, 1991, city of Slunj.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church, Presvetog Trojstva,
> was built in 1726. During Serb aggression against Slunj, the church
> sustained minor damage from small arms fire. Following the occupation of
> the city of Slunj (November 15, 1991) the church became target practice
for
> the Serbs, until they eventually burnt and destroyed the church on
November
> 27, 1991.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 004 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: October 1991, Rakovica (approximately 22 km south of
> Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish of Rakovica was established
> in 1785. The church, Sv. Jelena, was completed in 1843. During World War
> II the church was damaged and subsequently repaired. At the end of October
> 1991, armed Serbian forces burnt and destroyed the church.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 005 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: March 1992, village of Ladjevac (approximately 6 km
> east of Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic church, Sv. Jurja, was built in
> 1776, with additions completed in 1841. The church was seriously damaged
> during Serbian attacks in March 1991 The roof of the church was completely
> destroyed.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 006 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: October 24, 1991, in the village of Hrvatski Blagaj
> (approximately 16 km north of Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic church, Sv. Duha, was built in
> 1776. On October 24, 1991, armed Serbian forces launched heavy artillery
> fire on the village. The church was burnt, its tower destroyed, as well as
> most of the walls.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 007 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: October 8, 1991, village of Dreznicko Seliste
> (approximately 24 km south of Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The district Catholic church in the village of
> Drezni}ko Seliste was built in 1970. During Serbian attacks on the
> village, the church was completely burnt down.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 008 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: July 23, 1991, Dreznik Grad (approximately 23 km south
> of Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church was built in 1883.
> Serb forces fired the first grenades at the church on July 23, 1991.
> Subsequently, the church was gradually damaged, until it was finally burnt
> down. Parts of the church wall remain standing.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 009 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: November 15, 1991, Cvitovic (approximately 2 km north
> of Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church was built in 1790.
> The church was severely damaged on November 15, 1991, after a Serbian
> attack. On March 20, 1992, Serbian forces burnt down the church, with only
> parts of the church wall still standing.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> 010 CROATIA - RIJEKA - SENJ DIOCESE
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Destruction of sacral objects and property.
> TIME AND LOCATION: October 5, 1991, Cetingrad near Slunj (approximately 20
> km northeast of Slunj).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: The Catholic parish church, Uznesenja Marijina
> (built in 1805), was hit by a grenade on October 5, 1991. It was set on
> fire on November 4, 1991. On December 1, 1991, Serbian forces mined the
> church, thus destroying it completely.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serbian forces.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Written document kept in the archives of the
> Department.
>
> X. INSTIGATION OF AGGRESSION AND ACTS OF AGGRESSION
>
> 001 CROATIA - KNIN DISTRICT - 1990
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Instigation of aggression through
> declarations and promises.
> TIME AND LOCATION: 1990, the village of Kosovo (approximately 10
kilometres
> south of Knin).
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Immediately after the first free multiparty
> elections in the Republic of Croatia (spring 1990),
> local Serbs, and Serbians (residents of Serbia proper) began driving
> throughout the Knin district in buses decorated with
> pictures of Serbian Democratic Party leaders and Serbian national flags.
> The first official Serb nationalistic gathering on a large scale was
> organized on the Serb Orthodox Holiday (Vidovdan) in June 1990. At that
> meeting, the leaders of the Serbian Democratic Party demanded that the
> Greater Serbia be proclaimed on Croatian territory. They shouted various
> anti-Croatian slogans. Shortly after that meeting, the Serbs blockaded
> roads in the region, and daily maltreatment of the Croatian residents in
> the area began.
> PERPETRATORS: Leaders of the Serbian Democratic Party, self- proclaimed
> district authorities in Knin, Serbian volunteers from Serbia proper.
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 002 CROATIA - GLINA - June 26, 1991
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Attack on nonmilitary objects.
> TIME AND LOCATION: June 26, 1991, around 4:00 am, Glina police station.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: Serb civilians from Glina, armed by
> the YPA Garrison in Petrinja, and members of the irregular police
formation
> called SAO Krajina Militia ("Marti} unit") attacked the police station in
> Glina. Some 400 Serbs armed with automatic guns, hand grenades and grenade
> launchers, attacked 14 policemen who were on duty at that time. The
> policemen were forced to surrender.
> PERPETRATORS: Armed Serb civilians from Glina, members of the irregular
> Serbian police (the so-called SAO Krajina Militia, or
> Marti} unit).
> EVIDENCE: Audio tape recording of an interview with a witness,
supplemented
> by a written statement currently kept in the
> archives of the Department.
>
> 003 CROATIA - TURANJ/KARLOVAC - March 13, 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Instigation of aggression by legal
> provisions.
> TIME AND LOCATION: March 13, 1993, Turanj/Karlovac.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: On March 13, 1993 a van with the Belgrade
> license plate number BG 242-65 arrived in liberated Croatian territory at
> the UNPROFOR checkpoint from the direction Slunj in occupied Croatian
> territory. The police deployed at the Croatian checkpoint established that
> the occupants of the van were members of a paramilitary formation and
> escorted them to Karlovac police headquarters for questioning. Twelve of
> the thirteen passengers in the van were Serbs born and residing outside of
> the Republic of Croatia. One passenger was a Muslim, born in
> Bosnia-Herzegovina. An examination of their
> identification and military cards established that they were members of
> Serbian military formation called "Stit", based in Belgrade and
responsible
> for organizing acts of terrorism in the Republic of Croatia. The prisoners
> stated that they brought food, weapons and ammunition with them onto the
> territory of the Republic of Croatia. The leader of the group was Slobodan
> Markovic (age 42). He was born in Nova Pazova and resided in New Belgrade.
> He is the owner of a private tourist agency in Belgrade. The Serbian
> press praised Markovic "...for showing such bravery in the conquest of
> Vukovar." He has the rank of captain in the YPA. The other occupants of
> the van were also identified: Jovo Zivkovic (age 34, Belgrade), Zvonko
> Ljuk (age
> 27, Belgrade), Dusan Vukovi} (age 39, Belgrade), Bratislav Djuraskovic
(age
> 42, Prokuplja), Radmilo Golubovic (age 37,
> Mladenovac), Vladimir Jovanovi} (age 59, Mladenovac), Miso Kanalic (age
27,
> Novi Sad), Miljenko Semic (age 37, Zemun),
> Cebinac Vidakovic (age 20, Zemun), Slavko Lukac (age 34, Becej), Caslav
> Vlajkovic (age 31, Svetozar), Sead Subasic (age 37,
> Breza - B-H). Their personal military service booklets showed that each
> individual participated in the aggression against
> Croatia, substantiated by the official written confirmation issued in
> Serbia and included in each individual military booklet.
> PERPETRATORS: Terrorist organization "Stit" from Belgrade and the Serbian
> authorities.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: The arrest of the 13 terrorists was reported in the
> newspaper "Slobodna Dalmacija", March 15, 1993, page 8, titled "Pouring in
> of Terrorists". Document kept in the archives of the Department.
>
> 004 CROATIA - ZADAR - August 1993
>
> DESCRIPTION OF REPORTED CRIME: Instigation of aggression by legal
> provisions.
> TIME AND LOCATION: August 1993, Zadar.
> SUMMARY OF REPORTED CRIME: An armed Serbian saboteur attempted to cross
> into territory controlled by the Croatian army in the Zadar hinterland.
> According to his identification card and military records, Petar Tadic
> (born September 17, 1955 in Novi
> Sad, father's name Milutin) resided in Ruma, Serbia. He was a member of
> the terrorist organization "Stit" from Belgrade which sends armed
> terrorists to the Republic of Croatia to participate in the war against
> Croatia.
> PERPETRATORS: Petar (father's name Milutin) Tadic, born 1955, residing in
> Ruma; terrorist organization "Stit" from Belgrade; Serbian authorities.
> SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Newspaper article in "Vecernji list", August 28,
> 1993, page 4, titled "Legal Terrorist Organization". Document kept in the
> archives of Department.
>
>
>
Barry Marjanovich
HAGUE, Netherlands - In the Hague, the Yugoslav warcrimes tribunal directly
linked Serbia to Balkan war crimes for the first time on Thursday,
indicting three Serbian army officers in a hospital massacre in Croatia.
The likelyhood of bringing the officers to trial is slim. The tribunal does
not have the power to try in absentia and the Serbian constitution
prohibits authorities from turning Serbs over to trial outside the country.
The indictment charged that Serbian soldiers under the command of the three
Serbian army officers - Mile Mrksic, then a Yugoslav colonel who was in
command of the Belgrade-based Guards Brigade; Miroslav Radic, a captain in
command of a special infantry unit in the guards; and Veselin Sljivancanin,
a major serving as a security officer in the guards - rounded up 261
non-Serb men from the Vukovar Hospital in the Croatian city of Vukovar, in
November 1991. The patients were dragged out of the hospital, beaten and
then shot to death.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
http://www.vukovar.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POWDERKEG3
THE SAME LIES OVER AND OVER AGAIN BELIEVING THAT AT THE END
SOMEBODY WILL BELIEVE THEM. CROATIONS KILLED, MASACRED AND
EXPELLED FROM THE TERRITORIES WHERE THEY LIVED FOR CENTURIES
HUNDRED THOUSANDS SERBIANS. CROATIONS ARE BLOOD THIRSTY
ANIMALS AND FASCISTS
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
Barry Marjanovich
05:17 a.m. Jul 03, 1999 Eastern
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Croatia has filed genocide charges against Yugoslavia
for the 1991-1995 conflict between the two countries, the International
Court of Justice said late Friday.
In its application to the U.N. court, Croatia accused Yugoslavia of
``ethnic cleansing'' of Croatian citizens in the Knin region, eastern and
western Slavonia and Dalmatia, the court said.
Croatia wants financial compensation -- the amount to be determined by the
court -- for the damage suffered during the four-year conflict after it
declared independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991.
The move triggered a rebellion by its Serb minority backed by the Yugoslav
army controlled by Slobodan Milosevic, who was then president of Serbia.
According to Croatia, Yugoslavia engaged in a second round of ethnic
cleansing when it urged Croatians of Serb origin in the Knin region to
evacuate the area.
Croatia alleged that the aggression by Yugoslavia caused 20,000 deaths and
55,000 wounded. It said more than 3,000 people were still missing.
An estimated 10 percent of Croatia's housing capacity was alleged to have
been destroyed, with 590 towns and villages suffering damage, including 35
that were razed to the ground.
It said 1,821 cultural monuments, 323 historical sites and 450 Croatian
Catholic churches were destroyed or damaged.
It said three million explosive devices were planted in Croatia, making
750,000 acres of land unusable, and 25 percent of its economic capacity was
damaged or destroyed.