Louvre reopens after jewel heist as police search for thieves
The Louvre reopened Wednesday morning for the first time since the brazen heist of France’s crown jewels.
Police are still hunting the four thieves who made off with eight priceless pieces from the museum’s Apollo Room in a daylight robbery that took just four minutes.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed in a television interview Tuesday that the stolen jewels have an estimated value of €88 million ($102 million).
The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, will face a grilling from the French senate’s culture committee later Wednesday as the incident fuels national outcry over security at key cultural sites.
The theft has struck a heavy blow to French pride, already tested by political turmoil and social unrest. France’s interior minister said Monday the heist gave a “negative” and “deplorable” image of the country on the global stage.