Bundalo et al: Ballistics Evidence

Dino Osmankadic, a ballistics and mechanical-traces expert, appeared at the trial of the three indictees, who are charged with crimes committed in Kalinovik.

He was not able to confirm which weapon was used to kill civilians in the “Barutni magacin” (“Gunpowder Depot”) detention camp.

Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba are charged with crimes against humanity committed in the Kalinovik area in the course of 1992 and 1993. Among other things, the indictment alleges that civilians were taken from “Barutni magacin” on several occasions in early August 1992. Those civilians allegedly disappeared.

The Prosecution claims that Askraba handed over detainees from this detention camp to members of a paramilitary unit commanded by Pero Elez, who is believed  to have been killed in the course of the war. The detainees were then transported to “Tuneli”, near Miljevina, where they were killed.   

“Following the exhumation of 36 bodies from Tuneli, we found several bullet cartridges. However, I cannot confirm their caliber or the type of weapons used. After the second exhumation, when 26 bodies were exhumed at the same location, we found 31 cartridges, as well as several bullets and casings. Some of the cartridges had been fired from an automatic gun,” Osmankadic said.

This expert witness said that, due to the fact that the cartridges were in bad condition, it was not possible to determine the type of weapon or caliber.

The trial is due to continue on Tuesday, February 10.