Congolese activist on trial for trying to take artworks from European museums

Over 20 shops filled with artworks were destroyed in the fire at the Abuja Arts and Craft Village Friday night, Mr Kanayo Chukwumezie, president of the African Arts and Cultural Heritage Association (AACHA) said.

Congolese activist Mwazulu Diyabanza has tried to remove looted art from museums in protest against the theft of African art treasures. Now he is facing trial.

Pastry chef Walter Musco turns his shop in Rome's working-class Tor Marancia district into an art gallery displaying Easter eggs sculpted in hommage to great names from the worlds of art and literature. The creations of the self-taught "pasticciere" are fully edible, although can also be stored uneaten for years, Musco says, provided they are kept cool and out of the sun.

A painting by Mark Rothko sold for $82.5 million (€72.6 million) making it the most expensive item of the evening. The collection was previously owned by real estate mogul Harry Macklowe and his former wife Linda.

In Benin, artefacts that were looted by French forces during the 19th century and formally returned to their homeland last year are about to go on display. The objects include sculptures, masks and small pieces of furniture for ceremonial uses. FRANCE 24's Georja Calvin-Smith reports from the capital Cotonou. Also, French lawmakers pave the way for artworks stolen by the Nazis and currently on display in French museums to be returned to their rightful heirs.

Among the damaged objects were Egyptian statues, images of Greek gods, sarcophagi, and the frames of 19th-century European paintings. Contrary to initial reports, the vandalism did not directly affect paintings.

Great Britain was once the world's largest colonial power. The British Museum is not ready to return stolen cultural property to their owners, but pressure is mounting.