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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Steven Morris

Ministers accused of abandoning UK geologist at risk of execution in Iraq

Jim and Sarijah Fitton
Jim Fitton with his wife, Sarijah. He has been detained for more than six weeks after being accused of smuggling. Photograph: AP

The family of a British man who has been detained in Iraq for more than six weeks and faces execution for collecting fragments of pottery at an ancient site has accused British ministers of abandoning him, and expressed concern over the conditions he is being held in.

Jim Fitton, 66, who was on an organised geology and archaeology trip, was arrested at Baghdad airport as he tried to fly out. He was detained on suspicion of smuggling, after pieces of pottery he had been assured by guides were worthless were found in his luggage.

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