Skip to main content

British geologist faces severe punishment in Iraq for taking pottery shards

The case has become politically charged as Iran-backed Shiite militias could exploit the situation to shape public opinion against the British government.
British geologist Jim Fitton (R) with wife, Sarijah (C), and daughter, Leila (L).

When Jim Fitton picked up pieces of pottery one day in March in Eridu, a Sumerian archaeological site dating back to 5,400 BCE in southeast Iraq, he was sure they held no economic or historical value as the guides had assured him that the fragments were worthless.

But what was supposed to be a regular organized geological and archaeological trip to the Middle East turned into the worst nightmare for the 66-year-old retired British geologist.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.