The Ministry of Justice announced today, Monday, the recovery of more than 80 archaeological pieces that were smuggled out of Iraq.
The ministry stated in a statement received by the News Video Agency that "the diligent legal efforts made by the Ministry of Justice, under the direction and follow-up of the Minister of Justice, Khaled Shawani, resulted in the recovery of more than 80 archaeological pieces and Iraqi artworks that were smuggled abroad, as part of the ministry's efforts to protect Iraq's cultural and civilizational heritage and to recover its archaeological assets."
It added that "the Directorate of Foreign Laws continues, through the Department of Archaeological Recovery and Funds, to follow up and manage cases and claims related to the recovery of artifacts, and to take the necessary legal measures to retrieve archaeological pieces extracted due to random digging, as well as those that were stolen, smuggled, and traded outside Iraq, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington and relevant authorities."
It continued that "these efforts come as part of the Ministry of Justice's program to follow up on files concerning the recovery of Iraqi artifacts and funds, and to enhance legal measures that ensure the preservation of Iraq's cultural and civilizational heritage, contributing to the safeguarding of the legacy of the land of the two rivers and the recovery of its historical assets according to the approved legal frameworks."