An Iraq Court Just Sentenced a British Tourist to 15 Years in Prison for Taking Pottery Shards

A retired geologist picked up some shards at an archeological site in Iraq. Here's the story:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/b...ttery-shards-from-an-archaeology-site-2126400

 

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I've not done it in Iraq, but I've picked up pottery shards in several countries. I won't now.

 

Why on earth would a tour guide tell him that was OK?!

 

Retired Geologist. I think he would have known the law. However, it is a good story to remind all of us.

 

Good thing I have no interest in pottery. But I would be tempted if I saw a coin laying around!

 

No worried since I have no interest visiting that country nor could afford to travel over seas anyways.

 

I have some pottery shards I found at a local site up home (Iowa).

 

Every thing considered, he got off lucky.

 

According to a 5/23 Newsweek article, "Fitton has been accused of attempting to smuggle historical artifacts - which in Iraq is an offense punishable by death.'"
https://www.newsweek.com/tourists-n...raqi-court-over-broken-shards-pottery-1709301

 

There truly places not worth visiting.

 

So many tourists (or even geological experts) forget that they are not in the U.S. and most foreign countries do not have a sense of humor when applying their laws.

 

These 3rd world countries do this all the time with western tourists. It's essentially a ransom, they will expect either the family or the tourist's government to negotiate and pay a "fine" for his release

 

holy s***

 

Really? Iraq is fantastic, including breathtaking landscapes and the remains of some of the oldest cultures in the world.