Crisis in Dutch Restitutions Commission

December 8 2020

Picture: ArtDaily.com

Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:

ArtDaily.com have reported on the ongoing crisis within the Dutch Restitutions Committee in the Netherlands.

Two members of the panel of seven have resigned after the publishing of a report claiming that the commission is moving in the wrong direction. Much of the problems revolve around the interpretation of policy regarding the commission's principle of being able to 'balance interests'. Some have claimed that several rulings in the past eight years have been weighted towards Museums rather than the heirs of claimants.

Lawyer Jacob Kohnstamm is quoted in the article as saying:

If it’s looted art and there’s an heir, the interests of the museum shouldn’t be taken into account... We’re trying to strive for justice.

The remaining members of the panel have welcomed the constructive criticisms in the report.

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