Lebanon hands over 37 smuggled antiquities to Egypt

Minister of Culture Ghassan Salamé handed over Pharaonic-era antiquities smuggled illegally to Egyptian Ambassador in Lebanon Alaa Mousa.

The collection consists of 37 items, including two painted wooden coffins, wooden masks and figurines, Coptic textile fragments, glass paste amulets, and medium-sized statues.

The handover took place during a ceremony held at the National Museum premises, attended by officials from the Egyptian embassy in Lebanon, Representative of the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces, Colonel Ghattas Mousa, Head of the International Theft and Crime Unit, and Lour Slim, responsible for restitution files at the General Directorate of Antiquities.

Lebanese Minister of Culture stated that his country "sets the example in the literal implementation of the 1970 International Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property," through returning items to their rightful owners.

He noted that these antiquities were seized at Beirut port six years ago, and that over this period, cooperation has taken place with Egypt, Interpol, and Lebanon’s Public Prosecutor’s Office to verify ownership, authenticity, and absence of forgery, as well as the legitimacy of returning them to their true owners.

He emphasized that "the relations between Egypt and Lebanon are fraternal relations, and both sides wish them to be exemplary," adding that he felt particular joy in handing over the antiquities to the Egyptian ambassador at a time when he was preparing to leave the country after completing his duties.

He continued: "I am happy that the farewell gift for him, directed to his government and to the magnificent new Cairo Museum, is 37 precious and beautiful pieces we seized in Lebanon and are today handing over with full pride and honor to their rightful owners."

On his part, the Egyptian ambassador expressed gratitude to Lebanese authorities for their cooperation in recovering these antiquities.

The Lebanese Financial Prosecution issued a judicial mandate in September 2023 to transfer these antiquities to Egyptian authorities.