Fifty-five trafficked archaeological finds returned to Greece
Fifty-five archaeological artifacts of high artistic, historical and symbolic value were handed over to Culture Minister Lina Mendoni in a special ceremony held in the USA on Wednesday, by the Attorney General of Manhattan Alvin Bragg.
Among them were 47 antiquities from the M. Steinhardt Collection and eight prehistoric works from Thessaly.
Receiving the artifacts, Mendoni said: "It is a day of great happiness for Greece as 47 antiquities from the M. Steinhardt Collection return to their homeland, as well as eight other prehistoric works from Thessaly, which come from another investigation."
She spoke of "methodical and tireless efforts" on the part of the Attorney General.
"Your great success is not only the antiquities that are returning to their countries of origin, including Greece, but the loud message to all those involved in the illegal trafficking of cultural goods, that sooner or later the time will come when illegal transactions will be revealed and the perpatrators will have to face the repercussions of their acts," she said.
"We are deeply convinced," Mendoni added, "that the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural goods is won with patience, perseverance and method, but above all with the close cooperation of people, institutions and states that consciously fight against the smuggling of antiquities.
"The illegal trafficking of the cultural treasures of our country is a serious injury that hurts all Greeks around the world," the minister pointed out.
Attorney General Alvin Bragg expressed his enthusiasm at having contributed to the completion of this investigation, adding that he felt honoured to be a part it.
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