Santander Art and Culture Law Review 2/2015 (1): 27-62 DOI: 10.4467/2450050XSR.15.012.4510 RESEARCH ARTICLES Leila A. Amineddoleh*
[email protected] Galluzzo & Amineddoleh LLP 43 West 43rd Street, Suite 15 New York, NY 10036, United States Cultural Heritage Vandalism and Looting: The Role of Terrorist Organizations, Public Institutions and Private Collectors Abstract: The destruction and looting of cultural heritage in the Middle East by terrorist organizations is well-documented by social media and the press. Its brutality and severity have drawn interna- tional criticism as the violent destruction of heritage is classified as a war crime. Efforts have been made to preserve objects against bombing and destruction, as archaeologists and other volunteers safeguard sites prior to assault. There is also precedent for pros- ecuting heritage destruction via national and international tribu- nals. In term of looting, black-market antiquities provide a revenue stream for ISIS; therefore, efforts must be made to stop this harmful trade. Governmental agencies have taken actions to prevent funding through antiquities. Public institutions have a role in safeguarding looted works by providing asylum to them without fueling the black market. At the same time, private collectors must also not purchase * Leila A. Amineddoleh is a Partner and co-founder at Galluzzo & Amineddoleh where she specializes in art, cultural heritage, and intellectual property law. She is involved in all aspects of due diligence and litiga- tion, and has extensive experience in arts transactional work. She has represented major art collectors and dealers in disputes related to multi-million dollar contractual matters, art authentication disputes, inter- national cultural heritage law violations, the recovery of stolen art, and complex fraud schemes.