LOWELL– Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), Chair of the Congressional Cambodia Caucus, issued the following statement following the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s (Met) announcement of the return of 16 major Khmer era artworks to Cambodia and Thailand:

“After months of pressure on the Met, I’m glad to see the museum finally do the right thing by returning artifacts obtained from Douglas Latchford to the Cambodian people – where they belong. This is an incredible win for Cambodians and the many communities who have been fighting to regain ownership of stolen art for centuries. It is my hope that this announcement marks a new chapter of transparency from our museums and renewed a commitment to ensuring the rightful ownership of these irreplaceable national treasures.”

The action follows Trahan’s multiple requests for greater transparency in their investigation and the return of the artwork to the people of Cambodia.