The Al-Bayda Al-Jadida police centre, in eastern Libya, has announced the discovery of an archaeological artefact in one of the municipality’s forests.
The artefact was found by citizen Ali Aqeider Saad Suleiman, who promptly handed it over to the police centre, demonstrating his awareness and commitment to the country’s historical heritage.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the police centre confirmed that it informed the city’s Antiquities Unit to take custody of the discovered artefact. The centre expressed gratitude to Mr. Suleiman for his vigilance and awareness regarding the nation’s historical treasures.
Such archaeological discoveries are vital for preserving Libya’s history and underscore the importance of collaboration between citizens and official entities to protect cultural heritage. The centre encourages everyone to continue reporting any similar discoveries to ensure the safeguarding of the country’s historical legacy.
Last month, a Libyan citizen returned the head of a marble statue from the Greek era to the Cyrene Antiquities Office, in Libya’s eastern region.
The Libyan authorities praised Mohammed Abdullah Bouajaba for his “dedication to his heritage and his country.”
This act follows a similar incident in 2019 when another citizen handed over an artefact to the Tourism Police and Antiquities Protection Agency in Shahat, eastern Libya.
At that time, Fawzi Abdulonis, the head of the agency’s branches in eastern Libya, stated that Miloud Issa and his son Al-Jali discovered the artefact, which was a statue head of the Greek goddess Demeter, during a walk. They promptly delivered it to the agency’s office.
Abdulonis confirmed the receipt of the artefact through an official report signed by the citizen and the agency’s management, with the presence of the Cyrene Antiquities Office.
He extended gratitude and appreciation to Issa and his son for their commitment to preserving Libya’s heritage from theft, looting, and smuggling.
