Greek Culture Ministry Tightens Rules on Treasure Hunters
Source: Balkan Insight
In a fresh push to protect cultural heritage from theft the ministry says owners of metal detectors will now need a permit from a government department – with those violating the rules risking up to three years in prison.
The Greek Ministry of Culture has imposed stricter regulations on amateur and professional “treasure hunters” who own metal detectors or other devices to survey the subsoil or seabed, in a move to protect antiquities and cultural heritage in general.
The ministry decided to tighten up the rules on “treasure hunting” on October 17. “There were loopholes in the legislation that the legislature had not foreseen. Things had to be tightened to control the situation,” a ministry official not wishing to be named told BIRN.
Many people in Greece use metal detectors or other devices to conduct illegal excavations. In September, Greek police arrested three men in the town of Drama, northern Greece, who had hidden 60 ancient coins, an ancient piece of jewelry, various metal and stone objects and two metal detectors in their homes.
In a push to end such illegal excavations, the ministry has stipulated that owners of detecting devices must obtain a possession permit from the Department of Documentation and Protection of Cultural Properties in which a special register is kept. Only adults can buy detection devices. If they give them to another person, this must also be declared.
Regarding usage, the owners must provide the ministry with a map of the area where research will be conducted, and describe the purpose, duration and people who will participate.
It is not permitted to search for treasure in archaeological or historical sites or protection zones, or around monuments or near them or inside caves, etc. Exceptions may be granted, following an opinion of the Council of Monuments.
Those who violate the new rules risk imprisonment of at least three months. If the act was carried out inside archaeological sites, a minimum of three years of imprisonment is imposed.
The original article: Balkan Insight .
belongs to