British Geologist Faces Death Penalty in Iraq on Smuggling Charges

A retired British geologist could face the death penalty in Iraq after he allegedly attempted to smuggle ancient artifacts out of the country. He will stand trial before Iraq’s Felony Court this Sunday, May 15, according to the Associated Press.

Thair Soud, Fitton’s Iraqi lawyer, previously attempted to close the case before it reached trial on the grounds that it would hurt Iraq’s growing tourist economy. Now, Soud will need to prove in court that Fitton did not have any criminal intent. Fitton’s children told the BBC that he did not know the objects were historically significant.