Dr. Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum since 2016, has announced his immediate resignation following the theft of treasures from the renowned London

institution.

In an official statement, Fischer acknowledged that the museum's response to the thefts in 2021 was not as comprehensive as it should have been. He expressed his deep regret for the shortcomings in the museum's actions upon being alerted about the thefts.

Furthermore, Fischer retracted comments he had made earlier in the week regarding the art dealer who had initially brought the matter to the museum's attention. He admitted that his prior remarks were "misjudged."

Recently, the museum disclosed the dismissal of a staff member in response to reports of "missing, stolen or damaged" treasures.

Earlier this week, Fischer had defended the museum's 2021 investigation, during which the museum had assured antique dealer Ittai Gradel that all items were in their proper place. Photo by Portable Antiquities Scheme from London, England, Wikimedia commons.