((PKG)) IRAQI ARTIFACTS
((Banner: Returning Art))
((Reporter/Camera: Sandzhar Khamidov))
((Adapted by: Aisha Handerson))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
((JOHN PAUL LABATT, HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS))
My name is John Paul Labatt. I’m a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations in New York City.
((Banner: Starting in 2009, representatives of the US corporation Hobby Lobby smuggled thousands of ancient artifacts from Iraq. Destined for the owners’ Bible Museum, the artifacts were seized, the company fined, and the items returned to Iraq))
((JOHN PAUL LABATT, HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS))
So, as part of our regular duties, we investigate the smuggling of cultural artifacts into the United States and this was part of what we normally do.
((FAREED YASSEEN, IRAQI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES))
Not only do they enforce the law, they serve as a sense of historic justice, and they help in the fight against criminal and terrorist networks. They serve a sense of historic justice because they are returning items to their natural homes and to a nation that is very attached to its cultural heritage.
((JOHN PAUL LABATT, HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS))
We’re very proud to be here today at the home of the ambassador. It’s an honor to be able to return these pieces of history to the Iraqi people. It’s not only the history of the Iraqi people, it’s the history of all people. These are some of the earliest writings ever documented. And, really, all of man should celebrate today.
Most of these artifacts have been looted from areas that were previously unexcavated. So, it’s impossible to know what was found in the ground. It’s just no way to tell. We’re sending a clear message that if you engage in this black market, we will find you, we’ll prosecute you, and we will seize the artifacts and return them.
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