European Court of Human Rights backs Italy in its efforts to get back ancient Greek statue from museum &bdquo ;John Paul Getty“ in California, USA, reported the Associated Press and AFP, quoted by BTA.
The court rejected the museum's appeal, ruling that Italy has the right to recover part of its cultural heritage.
The bronze statue in question is called “Victorious Youth” (Victorious Youth), and dates from 300 to 100 BC. It is one of the attractions of the California museum.
In 2010, the Italian court in Pesaro ordered its confiscation and return. It comes amid Italy's campaign to recover antiquities seized from its territory and sold to museums and private collectors around the world.
Then in 2018, Italy's Supreme Court ordered the statue confiscated. The “John Paul Getty“ Museum appealed this decision.
„John Paul Getty” has long defended its right to the statue, arguing that Italy can lay no claim to it.
According to the museum, the statue is of Greek origin and was found in international waters. That is why it is not part of the cultural heritage of Italy.
The bronze, retrieved from the sea in 1964 by Italian fishermen, was purchased by “John Paul Getty” in 1977 for US$4 million and has been on display at the museum ever since.
After the ruling of the European Court in Strasbourg, both parties have three months to request that the case be considered by the Grand Chamber of the Court for a final decision.