Centenary of Andre Malraux’s Arrest for Plundering Cambodian Relics

via Khmer Times, 21 December 2023: The 100th anniversary of French writer Andre Malraux’s arrest for plundering bas-reliefs from Banteay Srei is marked by the release of a detailed monograph from the Angkor Database. Malraux, initially sentenced to prison and banishment in 1924, was later released without jail time. The monograph, titled “One Hundred Years of Solipsism: The Malraux Case Revisited,” aims to correct misconceptions about the incident and highlights the ongoing issue of Khmer artwork and antiquity repatriation, challenging the academic narrative surrounding Malraux’s actions​.

One hundred years ago, cash-strapped minor French writer Andre Malraux, together with his wife and a friend, were arrested at 10 pm on Sunday December 23 after cargo was seized earlier in the day at Kampong Chhnang, containing bas-reliefs plundered from Banteay Srei.

Malraux the plunderer went on trial in Phnom Penh in mid July 1924 and was sentenced to three years prison and five years banishment from Cambodia. But he appealed in Saigon and was released without serving jail time.

Now Siem Reap’s Angkor Database has marked the 100th anniversary of his arrest by releasing a 13,000-plus-words monograph titled, “One Hundred Years of Solipsism: The Malraux Case Revisited”.

Source: Malraux arrest centenary marked – Khmer Times