Ministry: We Reject False Allegations about Transport of Gonzaga Bust

Bratislava, 9 June (TASR) - The Culture Ministry again strongly rejects false claims and misleading interpretations about the transfer of the bust of Cecilia Gonzaga, ministry spokeswoman Petra Bacinska told TASR on Monday in response to the press briefing held by representatives of the professional community earlier in the day. "As in the past, we've witnessed the spreading of calculated half-truths and lies, which have already been publicly refuted and explained several times," she stated. According to the Culture Ministry, the 'Open Culture' platform isn't seeking a professional debate, but a continuation of political theatrics, the aim of which is to create an artificial scandal where there is none. "We regret that instead of a factual discussion on the protection of cultural heritage, some political activists are repeatedly exploiting this topic to score political points," said the ministry, adding that it won't participate in this form of disinformation campaign and is again calling on the representatives of the 'Open Culture' platform to read and listen with understanding and to stop misleading people. "We assure the professional and lay public that the bust of Cecilia Gonzaga is not 'hidden' but safely stored. Its authenticity will be assessed by renowned experts from Italy, and all the steps taken by the ministry have been and will be implemented in the interest of preserving and protecting this exceptional work for future generations," stressed the Culture Ministry. The bust of Cecilia Gonzaga was transported from the Slovak National Museum (SNM) - Spis Museum in Levoca (Presov region) on 29 May. According to the ministry, the transport was in compliance with all security and legal standards. The expert public called on Monday for an investigation into the bust's relocation and also called for its return to the museum in Levoca. [Experts have stated that the bust was probably sculpted by Renaissance master Donatello. - ed.note] am/df