Iran, US in unlikely alliance to protect Persian artifacts from lawsuit

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2006

CHICAGO (AFP) — Iran and the US Justice Department have formed an unlikely alliance to protect Persian artifacts from seizure in a lawsuit brought by victims of a terrorist attack in Israel.

At issue is whether artifacts and antiquities can be subject to seizure in civil suits against a foreign government which supports terrorist activities.

The case is being closely watched by museums fearful that their collections could be targeted next.

An American lawyer representing Iran is preparing an argument that these objects are protected from seizure by US federal laws which state that only property used for commercial purposes can be seized.

"There's a very significant difference between antiquities which are on display for the public and private...