Prosecutors question Egyptian culture minister over van Gogh theft

Published November 17, 2014

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's culture minister says he was questioned by prosecutors for three hours over last week's theft of a Vincent van Gogh painting.

Farouk Hosni told reporters Monday he volunteered for the interrogation to dispel accusations of negligence in the robbery.

Thieves made off with the canvas, known by the titles of "Poppy Flowers" and "Vase with Flowers," from the Mahmoud Khalil Museum in Cairo.

The prosecutor general ordered the detention of Deputy Culture Minister Mohsen Shalaan and four of the museum's security guards while they are investigated on suspicion of neglect and professional delinquency.

During the late night questioning Sunday, Hosni said he told prosecutors that he had delegated full responsibility for the museum to Shalaan.

No charges have been filed.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/world/prosecutors-question-egyptian-culture-minister-over-van-gogh-theft