Several Bullets Fired from the Same Gun

He conducted a comparative analysis of bullet capsules found at places of execution of Muslims from Srebrenica in July 1995 and mass graves in the Zvornik surroundings, where their bodies were found.

As requested by the Prosecutors, Curtis performed a comparative analysis of bullet capsules found at locations where Muslims from Srebrenica were executed in July 1995, and mass graves in the vicinity of Zvornik, where their bodies were found.

The indictment charges Mladic, the then Commander of the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, with genocide against about 7,000 Muslim men from Srebrenica in the days that followed the occupation of the United Nations, UN protected enclave by VRS on July 11, 1995.

Testifying in the courtroom, Curtis explained the methodology through which he determined that several bullets, which were the subject of his analysis, were fired from the same gun.

The Prosecution expert concluded, on the basis of calibre and other characteristics of bullet capsules, that the bullets were most often fired from automatic guns of the so-called “Kalashnikov” type.

Following Curtis’ testimony, the Prosecutors presented the judges with protected witness RM-318, who testified behind closed doors. Closed sessions represent the highest level of protection of witnesses appearing before the International Tribunal at The Hague.

RM-318 is the 128th Prosecution witness testifying against General Mladic.

The former VRS Commander is also charged with persecuting Muslims and Croats throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, terrorising civilians in Sarajevo by long-lasting shelling and sniping and taking UNPROFOR members hostage. 

The trial of Mladic is due to continue on July 23.