Hawass: Most of Egyptian Antiquities Abroad Aren't Stolen

Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass commented on the coming sale of some Egyptian antiquities by Christie's auction house, saying: "Most of the Egyptian antiquities, being sold abroad, are not stolen."

Speaking in an interview during "Hadeeth El Masaa," broadcast on MBC Masr channel, Hawass stated that the Egyptian antiquities were exported abroad until 1983 and any Egyptian or foreign citizen who wanted to transfer any antiquity from Egypt would go to the Egyptian Museum and obtain a permit stating that this piece was not stolen from inside a store, a temple or a cemetery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kq7SSm0DU4

"This matter is over now after issuing a law by the House of the Representatives but it is not being applied yet," he noted, urging the antiquities minister to implement the law.

The archaeologist added that the foreign missions, excavating in Egypt, were taking 50% of the discovered antiquities before 1983.

"The problem is that the auction houses do not reveal the source of the artifacts they sell," he further said.

He clarified that many antiquities had been smuggled abroad after the 2011 unrest.

He also mentioned that the House approved an important law on antiquities which allow filing suits against  smugglers, a matter which would put an end to selling Egyptian artifacts abroad.