Jean-Michel Nicolier may be found in Ovčara grave

The remains of three individuals have been uncovered in a mass grave at Ovčara, with unconfirmed reports suggesting one may belong to Jean-Michel Nicolier, a French volunteer who died defending Vukovar during the 1991 siege. The National Memorial Hospital “Dr. Juraj Njavro” in Vukovar is scheduled to announce identification results later today.

Nicolier, from Vesoul, France, joined Vukovar’s defense in September 1991. Wounded on November 9 at Sajmište, he was hospitalized and later removed from Vukovar Medical Centre in the early hours of November 20. That evening, he was killed by Serb forces at Ovčara. His disappearance left his final resting place unknown for over 30 years, turning him into a symbol of international solidarity and sacrifice for Croatia’s freedom.

Before the city fell, Nicolier told Croatian Radio Television, “I knew it would be difficult, but I didn’t think it would be so terrible, especially for civilians. I came to Vukovar as a volunteer. That was my choice, for better or for worse.” Official confirmation of the remains’ identities is pending.

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