Trafficking in Antiquities—Greece Legal Action

The J. Paul Getty’s Museum’s legal woes continue to mount. Saying that their “goodwill negotiations have not been fruitful” because “written communications to museum officials have repeatedly remained unanswered,” Greek culture officials have decided to launch legal action against the Getty Museum for trafficking in antiquities.^[1] There are four artifacts that Greece would like to have returned, and a senior official with the Greek police’s art squad said that Greek authorities would seek assistance from Italian prosecutors who are currently prosecuting the Getty’s former antiquities curator, Marion True.^[2]

A well-known Greek prosecutor, Ioannis Diotis, has been tapped by Greek officials to investigate the Getty’s acquisition of the four contested objects; Mr. Diotis has built a reputation on successfully prosecuting a number of terrorists and terrorist organizations.^[3]

The Getty Museum released a statement that expressed disappointment “that the Greek government has resorted to legal action when the Getty has demonstrated a willingness to consider whatever evidence the Greek government has and to discuss this matter is good faith.”^[4]

In related news, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art met with Italian officials to “discuss possible solutions to the problem of contested antiquities” which are in its collection.^[5]

We most recently discussed the imbroglio surrounding the Italian trial of Ms. True, here.

---

[1] Ralph Frammolino, et al, Greece Vows Legal Action Against Getty, LA Times, Nov. 23, 2005, available here.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.