Family torment goes on over ex-geologist facing Iraq death sentence trial

Aretired British geologist at risk of execution after being charged with attempted artefact smuggling faces a further two weeks in a holding cell after his trial was postponed by an Iraqi court.

The family of Jim Fitton, 66, including his sister, Ruth Zuccarello, who lives in Fife, had hoped judges would come to a decision during a second court hearing yesterday.

They will now have to wait until June 6 after Baghdad’s felony court postponed the case following a request by the defence team for coaccused German tourist Volker Waldmann.

It was reported Mr Waldmann’s defence lawyer, Furat Kubba, argued more information was needed about the historical significance of the 12 items found in their possession.

Iraqi officials have said the items could be considered archaeological pieces as they date back more than 200 years.

Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, who represents Mr Fitton’s family based in her Bath constituency, said: “This is a frustrating outcome for Jim and his family. Another two weeks of waiting.

“I am thinking of Jim again today and his family who have been through so much.

“Another two weeks in a holding cell is a cruel ordeal that should have been avoided.”

Father-of-two Mr Fitton collected 12 stones and shards of broken pottery as souvenirs while visiting a site in Eridu, an ancient Mesopotamian city in southern Iraq, as part of an organised geology and archaeology tour.

Both he and Mr Waldmann were arrested after the items were found in their possession as their group prepared to fly out of Baghdad airport on March 20. Mr Waldmann said the two items found in his possession were not his and instead had been given to him by Mr Fitton to carry.

Ruth Zuccarello, 68, has previously told The Courier she fears seeing her brother’s name appear on Amnesty International’s list of executions abroad.

The pensioner, who lives in Kirkcaldy, believes her family has been badly let down by the Foreign Office.

The 66-year-old, originally from Bath in Somerset, told us the situation is “horrifying”.

“This is a case of gross injustice and we need the

Foreign Office to recognise that,” she added.

Both defendants could face the death penalty, according to Iraqi law, but it has been suggested such an outcome is unlikely.

During his first court appearance earlier this month, Mr Fitton insisted he had not acted with criminal intent and had no idea he was breaking Iraqi laws.

He lives in Malaysia with his wife Sarijah, while his daughter Leila Fitton, 31, and her husband Sam Tasker are based in Bath, Somerset.

Ms Hobhouse said: “Jim and his family have shown incredible resolve and strength over this whole ordeal, and I hope that they receive the support they need over the next two weeks.

“This situation could have been avoided if the Foreign Office acted earlier. We’ve all accepted that the Foreign Office will be offering no further help to Jim and his family.

“The focus is now on the new date on June 6.”

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Neale Hanvey has raised the matter at Westminster on behalf of Mr Fitton and his constituent, Ms Zuccarello.

ORDEAL: Jim Fitton with his wife Sarijah. The retired geologist was arrested and accused of attempted artefact smuggling as he prepared to fly out of Baghdad in March.