The details of the Louvre theft case have been disclosed. Macron reaffirmed the need to strengthen heritage protection

The French Ministry of Culture announced on Sunday (October 19th) that nine "priceless" cultural relics were robbed at the Louvre Museum that morning, and one of the crowns has been found. French President Emmanuel Macron promised to bring the perpetrators to justice and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening heritage protection.

According to the list disclosed by the French newspaper Le Figaro, the missing cultural relics include the tiara, sapphire necklace and sapphire earrings that were both used by Marie Amelie, the queen of King Louis Philippe of France, and Oldons, the mother of Napoleon III and Queen of the Netherlands. The emerald necklace and emerald earrings of Marie Louise, the queen of Napoleon, and the brooch and tiara of Eugenie, the queen of Napoleon III.

French media reported that the police found a crown belonging to Queen Eugenie that was robbed outside the Louvre. This crown, studded with thousands of diamonds and gemstones, was damaged when it was discovered.

Prosecutor Bequou of the Paris Prosecutor's Office told reporters that around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, four masked men came outside the Louvre, working in coordination to operate the lifting device. They sneaked into the building from the external balcony, smashed display cases with an Angle grinder, snatched cultural relics, and threatened the museum security with the Angle grinder during the process. These thieves escaped on motorcycles. The police have found the yellow vest worn by one of the suspects during the crime. At present, the prosecution has initially determined that this is an organized crime.

According to French officials, the entire crime process lasted only a few minutes.

After the incident, the Louvre evacuated tourists and then announced its closure. Becchio said he believed the Louvre would reopen in a few days.

Macron posted on social media that night, promising to recover the cultural relics and bring the perpetrators to justice, saying, "All regions are doing their utmost to achieve this goal." He said that France launched the "New Revival of the Louvre" program in January this year, which includes strengthening security measures. "It will ensure that the heritage that constitutes our memory and culture is preserved and protected."

On that day, many French politicians condemned the incident. Interior Minister Nunes posted on social media, "Attacking the Louvre is attacking our history and heritage," and this behavior is "unacceptable." The chairperson of the far-right National Alliance, Baldeira, posted on social media that this robbery "is an unbearable disgrace for our country." Culture Minister Dati said that organized crime is now targeting artworks and museums have become the targets.

The Louvre is a landmark building in Paris, the capital of France. It receives millions of tourists every year and has witnessed several thefts.