Iranian diplomat raises concern over safety of artifacts in British Museum
Seyed Mehdi Hosseini Matin, the charge d’affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London, expressed concern regarding the security of valuable artifacts, including Iranian items, in the British Museum (BM).
The diplomat’s statement comes in the wake of recent reports detailing the theft of about 2,000 ancient artifacts from the renowned British Museum, ISNA reported.
In a message posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Matin questioned the museum’s ability to provide a safe environment for safeguarding these treasures.
He wrote, “With the news about thousands of stolen artifacts from the British Museum, the question remains whether the museum is still a safe place for holding these priceless artifacts, including the Iranian items. Can British Museum officials regain the trust of original foreign owners?”
The British Museum, housing an extensive collection of historical and cultural artifacts, has faced controversies surrounding the provenance of some of its holdings. The concerns raised by the Iranian diplomat touch on a broader debate about the responsibility of museums to ensure the security and ethical acquisition of
artifacts.