Dutch police have arrested archaeologist Wim Dijkman after he refused to return to authorities in Maastricht the remains recently discovered in the city, which are believed to belong to the famous French knight d’Artagnan.
Diekmann worked as an archaeologist in Maastricht for more than 40 years, researching the grave of Charles Auger de Batz, also known as d’Artagnan. It was Diekmann who discovered the remains under the floor of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
This discovery became known in March. The remains found – a shoulder bone and two teeth – were sent to Germany for DNA testing. It should confirm whether we are really talking about d’Artagnan’s tomb. The results have not yet been reported.
According to Dutch media, the municipality wanted to send the bones and teeth for research by mail. Dickman disagreed. As a result, an acquaintance delivered the find to Germany, but after analysis, the archaeologist took the remains for himself and refused to return them.
On May 20, police came to Dyckman’s home and arrested him. After revealing where the remains were kept, he was released.
The Public Prosecution confirmed the arrest without revealing details. to divide I mentionedthat the archaeologist was arrested against the background of verifying the legitimacy of the excavations and there was an “urgent reason” for the arrest. by Data De Telegraaf reported that Diekmann was under criminal investigation.
Previously, there were conflicts between the archaeologist and the Maastricht authorities. Officials accused Diekmann of not conducting excavations according to the rules. The archaeologist responds by accusing the authorities of interfering excessively in the story of the discovery and downplaying his role in the discovery of the remains.