Iraqi Justice Ministry Recovers More Than 80 Smuggled Antiquities

The ministry's media office

The Iraqi Justice Ministry Steps Up Efforts to Recover Smuggled Antiquities.

The Iraqi Federal Ministry of Justice has announced the recovery of more than 80 Iraqi antiquities and artworks that had been smuggled out of the country.

In a statement received by PUKMEDIA, the ministry said the recovery followed legal efforts carried out under the direction and supervision of Minister of Justice Dr Khalid Shwani.

The ministry said the efforts were part of its ongoing work to protect Iraq’s cultural and civilisational heritage and recover archaeological assets taken out of the country.

It added that the Directorate of Foreign Litigation Management, through its Department for the Recovery of Antiquities and Assets, continues to handle cases and legal claims relating to the recovery of Iraqi antiquities.

The department works to initiate the necessary legal proceedings to recover artefacts discovered through illegal and unauthorised excavations, as well as items that have been stolen, smuggled or traded abroad. These efforts are carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iraqi Embassy in Washington and other relevant authorities.

According to the ministry, the recovery efforts form part of its wider agenda to reclaim Iraqi antiquities and assets while strengthening legal measures to safeguard the country’s cultural and civilisational heritage.

The ministry said such measures contribute to preserving the legacy of Mesopotamia and recovering Iraq’s historical assets through established legal channels.


PUKMEDIA