Five activists go on trial in Paris for claiming African artwork from museum

After removing the 19th-century funeral staff, he paraded it around the museum whilst claiming “We’re taking it home,” in a video posted on social media

The activist has staged further reclamations art museums who display indigenous artefacts since then. Also targeting Marseilles in France and Berg en Dal, in the Netherlands.

Diyabanza has said, “It was important to approach this trial with a combative spirit, even if it’s risky.”

The five activists face up to 10 years in prison and €150,000 in fines if found guilty of the charges of attempted theft of a registered artwork.

After his arrest in June, Diyabanza himself sued the French state after accusing it of “theft and receiving stolen goods” by holding such a large collection of native artwork.

This followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to work on the restitution of African cultural treasures after he was elected and a ceremonial sword was returned to Senegal two-dozen works were to be returned to Benin.

Emmanuel Kasarherou, director of the Quai Branly Museum said: “The issue of restitution… deserves a serious debate.”

He added that his museum, “is documenting the origins of its collections and how they were obtained, and using this work as a basis, we can move forward.”

Diyabanza said, “Macron has acknowledged the pillaging, but he’s the one who decides how many works are returned, and whether or not there should be a property transfer — it’s an insult for us.”

We hope you enjoyed this article “Five activists go on trial in Paris for claiming African artwork from museum”.

Euro Weekly News is delighted to continue to be able to bring you a range of News that doesn’t cost you anything but your internet connection. Whether it’s Local Spanish News or International Entertainment News, we’ve got you covered!

For more up-to-the-minute National & International News, visit the Euro Weekly News website.

Euro Weekly News, the people’s paper, we lead others follow!