British Museum Theft: Who Owns the World’s Cultural Heritage?

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18th Aug, 2023. 06:06 pm
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British Museum investigates missing, stolen, or damaged artifacts.
One staff member was fired in connection with the case.
Twitter users react with mixed reactions, some calling it “a taste of your medicine.”

The British Museum is currently conducting an inquiry following the disappearance, theft, or damage of several pieces from its collection.

The incident is being investigated by the Economic Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police, and one of the museum’s staff members has been terminated in connection with the case.

Following the British Museum’s announcement regarding the stolen artifacts, numerous individuals on social media platforms have expressed their reactions.

A significant portion of the missing items were small components stored within a storeroom. Among the stolen objects were pieces of gold jewelry and semi-precious gemstones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

These items were specifically preserved for scholarly and research purposes, and none had been recently exhibited to the public, according to a press release issued by the British Museum.

Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, said in the press release, “This is a highly unusual incident. I know I speak for all colleagues when I say that we take the safeguarding of all the items in our care extremely seriously. The Museum apologizes for what has happened, but we have now brought an end to this – and we are determined to put things right.”

He further added, “We have already tightened our security arrangements and we are working alongside outside experts to complete a definitive account of what is missing, damaged, and stolen. This will allow us to throw our efforts into the recovery of objects.”

An independent review will be led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi.

They will collaborate on investigating the incident and proposing enhanced security protocols for the Museum. Furthermore, they will initiate and oversee a robust initiative aimed at recovering the missing artifacts.

Following the report of the stolen items, numerous individuals have turned to Twitter to express their opinions.

Here’s a glimpse of the Twitter community’s response to the stolen artifacts from the British Museum:

An individual wrote, “A taste of your medicine @britishmuseum.” A second shared, “Everybody who’s previously defended the British museum by saying ‘Oh but other countries couldn’t take care of artifacts as they can’ is now learning what everyone in the museum sector has known all along.”

A third posted, “Since when did the British Museum think stealing was wrong?” “Shame when things go missing or stolen, isn’t it, British Museum?” expressed a fourth. What are your thoughts on this incident?

British Museum Theft: Who Owns the World’s Cultural Heritage?

Web Desk

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