A retired British geologist accused of smuggling historical objects from Iraq, who faces the death penalty, said he did not know he had broken the law.
Jim Fitton, 66, took 12 stones and pieces of broken pottery, which he found at an archeological site in Eridu.
He appeared with the German citizen Volker Waldmann in the court in Baghdad, where he insisted before a three-member panel that he did not act with criminal intent.
Mr Fitton said he “suspected” the items he had collected were ancient fragments, but insisted that “he did not know about Iraqi laws at the time” or that taking the pieces was not allowed.
He emphasized that it was not clear that confiscating the pieces was a criminal offense, as “there were fences, no guards or signs”.
Given his craft, he had a habit of collecting fragments as a hobby, but had no intention of selling them, Mr Fitton said.
However, the chief judge said that given the nature of the place, it was clearly forbidden.
“These places, by name and by definition, are ancient sites. It is not necessary to say that it is forbidden, “said Jaber Abdel Jabir.
After Mr. Fitton replied that some of the pieces were “no bigger than my fingernail,” the judge replied, “Size doesn’t matter.”
The items were found by Mr Fitton and Mr Waldman, who were traveling as part of an organized tour of geology and archeology as they prepared to take off from Iraq in March.
Mr. Waldman denied that the two artifacts found among his belongings were his, but they were given to him to carry by Mr. Fitton.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 22, when the court must determine whether the men planned to win the pieces.
Retired British geologist Jim Fitton with his wife Saridja and daughter Leila
(PA Media)
Both could face the death penalty, but legal experts say that’s unlikely.
Mr Fitton’s lawyers plan to present more evidence, including some government officials who were present at the archeological site where the artifacts were taken.
The United Kingdom Government has been called upon to intervene and assist in efforts to secure Mr Fitton’s release.
Deputies discussed his case in the House of Commons last week, where Foreign Minister James Cleverley said the British ambassador to Iraq had raised the case four times before the country’s authorities.
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