Getty Museum to return 'looted' Roman artefacts

[emad]

Getty Museum to return 'looted' Roman artefacts

Agencies
Tuesday October 4, 2005
The Guardian


The Getty Museum is to return three archaeological treasures that its curator allegedly acquired knowing them to be looted.

Italy's culture minister, Rocco Buttiglione, wants the Getty to return 39 other disputed treasures. "The works are returning without an admission of guilt ... but also without us withdrawing our accusations," Mr Buttiglione said.

Italian prosecutors charged the curator, Marion True, with conspiracy to receive stolen goods and receipt of archaeological artefacts.

Ms True, who denies the charges, resigned at the weekend over a £227,000 loan from a Getty supplier.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/italy/story/0,12576,1584260,00.html

[tx_dem41]

1. Thanks, Emad.

I always look forward to reading the stories that you post. :)

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

2. They didn't have much choice

Other coverage I've read of this story makes a strong case that Getty knew the dealers in question were dishonest. IIRC the dealers have been charged with theft.

Two of the pieces in question, a statue believed to be of Aphrodite and a gold funeral wreath, are quite beautiful. You can see them at the Getty Museum website. But not for much longer, I reckon.