Ex-Louvre boss Jean-Luc Martinez denies blame for security flaws flagged in audits, citing pandemic delays, as Senate probes $102 million jewellery theft.
PARIS: Former Louvre director Jean-Luc Martinez has denied neglecting anti-theft measures following a major jewellery heist at the museum.
Martinez faced a Senate hearing on Tuesday over security audits conducted during his tenure that identified major vulnerabilities.
The hearing follows an October theft where thieves stole jewellery estimated to be worth $102 million from the Paris museum.
Senator Laurent Lafon told the cultural affairs committee that the security flaws used in the 19 October heist had all been previously identified.
“None of the Louvre’s successive administrations is beyond reproach,” Lafon added.
Martinez denied all accusations of negligence during his term from 2013 to 2021.
He explained that a “risk mapping” was established early on and a “security master plan” was created around 2017-2018.
Martinez said action points from the second audit were delayed by the museum’s 10-month closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.
When pressed on the plan’s shortcomings, Martinez said he believed it was “sufficient” and intended for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to France’s Court of Auditors, the security master plan has still not been implemented.
Martinez also denied failing to inform his successor, Laurence des Cars, about the audits after she claimed she only learned of them after the burglary.
“There was continuity of service,” Martinez stated.
He added that handing over a public institution with 2,300 staff and 250,000 square metres of space was a complex process.
The scandal has primarily engulfed current director Laurence des Cars, who has held the position since 2021.
One audit from Martinez’s mandate specifically highlighted the “vulnerability” of the balcony used by the thieves in the October heist. – AFP
