Arguments Made in Sotheby’s Cambodian Statue Case on Motion to Dismiss

The federal district court in Manhattan yesterday heard arguments in the matter of United States Of America v. A 10th Century Cambodian Sandstone Sculpture, Currently Located at Sotheby’s In New York, New York.  The United States is seeking the forfeiture of the Duryodhana statue, claimed to have been removed illegally from the Prasat Chen Temple in Koh Ker, Cambodia.

Sotheby’s attempted to sell the artifact last spring on behalf of the consignor, Ms. Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa.  But the U.S. government now seeks to repatriate the statue to Cambodia.

Yesterday’s argument before Judge George B. Daniels was expected to address the claimants’ motion to dismiss and the government’s objection.  The court is anticipated to rule on the matter.

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