2023-09-27 03:58:39
Türkiye
Tourist faces prison for “stolen stones”
After Turkish customs found stones in the luggage of a Belgian couple, they are facing a prison sentence. The stones are said to be historical artifacts.
Updated27. September 2023, 05:58
The town of Manavgat near Antalya is known for remnants of times gone by. (archive image)
IMAGO/Karina Hessland
A Belgian couple was collecting stones on their holiday in Turkey, and now the woman is facing a prison sentence.
At the border there is a dark surprise: the stones are said to be historical artifacts.
The export of “normal” stones from Turkey is also prohibited.
On the return of a Belgian couple Turkish customs officials noticed three stones in his luggage. According to experts, these should be over have historical or archaeological value. The couple says they knew nothing regarding it.
They said they found the stones during a day trip to Manavgat, a town east of Antalya. It had previously explained that they often take stones from holiday destinations with them as souvenirs – as decoration for their aquarium. They were stopped at the border and the woman was arrested.
More than a week later, the Belgian citizen is still not allowed to leave the country. Meanwhile, authorities in Antalya have had the three stones from the Belgians’ suitcase examined by experts from the Antalya Museum. Their report was published a few days ago, Turkish media report.
«Architectural decorative element»
One of the stones is said to be an “architectural decorative element” and the two pieces of marble that the couple also had with them are floor coverings. Therefore, “due to their nature,” it was forbidden to take them out of the country anyway. Turkey’s Cultural and Natural Resources Protection Law is strict once morest those who attempt to smuggle objects of possible archaeological value out of the country.
The Belgian Foreign Ministry’s website also expressly warns that it is strictly forbidden to export “antiques, minerals or objects found on site (e.g. stones), even if they have no cultural and historical value” from Turkey.
Opposite “Sky News» the Belgian says in desperation. She understands that she did something wrong. Crying in front of the camera, she asks to let her go. She would also pay a fine.
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