Over 1,000 relics stolen during Egypt uprising

Since Egypt's anti-Government protests began in January, many museums and archaeological sites have been looted. It is estimated that about 1,000 items were stolen, but very difficult for the elements it is, leave the country, say authorities.

Thieves stole about 1,000 relics from museums and archaeological sites in Egypt since protests against the Government in January, Egyptian Minister for antiques broke out that said Zahi Hawass Sunday in a newspaper interview.

"We examine the events to find the elements." So far we have identified many offenders, criminals, searching for gold or Mummies and lacked, she stole the knowledge of the value of the elements, "said he, Spanish daily El Mundo."

"they were not organized, they lived close to the archaeological sites where the objects were kept." Enter the night, to the archaeological sites and looting would use, "he added."

"About 1,000 objects were stolen, none of them are important elements." "It is all stock and it is difficult for the elements, to leave the country."

The inventory of all items that were stolen during the uprising and the weeks riots that followed will be given to UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, said Hawass.

The tomb of Hetep-ka in Saqqara and the tomb of em-PI at Giza, as well as in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses most of King Tutankhamun collection, were among the places targeted by thieves, he added.

Hawass was appointed Minister of Antiquities last month. He served as head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and was later Minister of State under ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

View the original article here