Practical and legal aspects of forensic autopsy expert team operations

Finnish forensic experts have investigated remains of the victims of alleged mass violence in the former Yugoslavia in 1996 under the mandate of the United Nations, and in 1998 and 1999 under the mandate of the European Union. The investigative documents later were surrendered to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The indictments issued by the ICTY include charges even against the highest authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This study describes the experience gained in organising forensic expert team operations in a foreign state by the Finnish team. The establishment and operation of a forensic expert team in a foreign state involve, among other things, legal issues, often related to differing legal systems. From an independent forensic expert team, great objectivity and self-constraint are expected. Moreover, a clear and sufficiently detailed agreement on the mandate of the team and on the possibility for unhindered and safe access of the experts to the alleged mass graves, as well as the assembling and briefing of the team members and provision of the necessary equipment should be completed before the beginning of the mission. Furthermore, the application of adequate and internationally recognised methods for processing and documenting the examination is essential for team's credibility.