UK Geologist Jailed in Iraq for Looting Archaeological Sites Is Released

Jim Fitton of Britain (L), and Volker Waldmann of Germany (C), wearing yellow detainees’ uniforms and handcuffed, are escorted by Iraqi security forces outside a courtroom, in Baghdad on May 22, 2022. Hadi Mizban/AP Photo

A retired British geologist who was jailed in Iraq earlier this year after being accused of taking shards of pottery from an archaeological site has thanked campaigners who helped win his freedom.

Jim Fitton, 66, was arrested in March at Baghdad Airport after security staff found items in luggage belonging to him and a German tourist, Volker Waldmann.