STATEMENT ON POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF HEORHIY GONGADZE

On March 6th and April 26th , 2001 Dr. William Rodriguez of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology conducted a forensic examination of the badly decomposed remains, which were reported to have been recovered on November 2, 2000 in Taraschansky District, Kyiv, Ukraine. Examination of the remains on both dates were conducted at the Kyiv City Central Bureau of Forensic Examination.

During both examinations determinations regarding the biological profile of the corpse (sex, age, race, stature, and foot size) were ascertained. During both examinations multiple bone samples were collected for DNA comparisons by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Comparison of the biological profile of the corpse in question, to the known biological profile of Heorhiy Gongadze were found to be consistent. A detailed review of the skeletal elements found them consistent with that of a single individual. Examination of the remains also revealed evidence of old healed skeletal injury which was present on the right radius of the lower arm and the proximal and medial phalanges of the small finger (fifth digit) of the left hand.

Radiographs taken of these injuries were compared to known antemortem radiographs of Heorhiy Gongadze. The antemortem radiographs of Heorhiy Gongadze were provide by his mother, Olaksandra Gongadze on April 26th , 2001, the day of the second US team examination. Comparison of the radiographs of the corpse in question to the antemortem radiographs of Georgi Gongadze revealed matching skeletal morphology, including evidence of like skeletal injury and presence of metallic shrapnel. A review of the DNA comparisons conducted by the FBI corroborate that the findings of the forensic skeletal examination that the remains are of a single individual.

Comparison of the DNA profiles obtained from Oleksandra Gongadze, Miroslava Gongadze, and her two daughters, Salome and Nana Gongadze are reported not to exclude the corpse as being offspring of Olexandra Gongadze. Furthermore, DNA comparisons also are reported not to exclude the corpse as being the remains of the father of Salome and Nana Gongadze. The combined DNA comparisons provide supplemental support to the radiographic identification of the corpse.

In conclusion based on the forensic skeletal examinations, radiographic comparisons, and DNA findings the badly decomposed remains examined are positively those of the missing journalist, Heorhiy Gongadze.