Dispute surfaces over recovered treasure

PANAMA’S CULTURAL Institute (INAC)is facing a legal challenge over treasure recovered in the Las Perlas. Archipleigo 

Recently, the National Customs Authority retained a part of the treasure from a sunken Spanish galleon when a man was found in a mall with a case carrying gold coins Investigaciones Marinas del Istmo, SA is demanding their because it has a concession from 2003, which states that 35% of the findings of the galleon belongs to the State and the rest to them.
Saturio Segarra, said that because of the refusal to return the pieces the company will proceed legally against INAC , for not complying with the contract signed 12 years ago.
“We will present the necessary legal certainty to defend the company claims,” he added.
Juan Francisco Guerrero, director of INAC, said the institute acted in accordance with the agreement signed in 2003, citing the historical heritage.
Law 14 of May 5, 1982. The threats of the company, said that the legal actions of the Isthmus
Heritage director, Wilhelm Openness, said the coins are in the Customs Authority, but in INAC custody, while the legal issue of the concession contract is resolved.
He explained at the time that the company should inform the authorities when moving the treasure, but did not and the representative with the coins was detained, reports La Prensa.
Panama ratified in 2003 the Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage of Unesco, whose function is to ensure the preservation of underwater heritage and combating commercial exploitation and pillage of wrecks.