[Sloth]

The museum's trustees had asked the Attorney General if they had permission to return the artworks under the terms of the Snowdon principle - a legal test that permits charities to give back items judged wrong to keep.

What kind of insane country has laws that prohibit giving something away?

[moatilliatta]

What kind of insane country has laws that prohibit giving something away?

If the museum became a private business and gave up its tax-exempt charitable status it could dispose of its possessions however it chose. As long as it wants public money and tax breaks the trustees have to abide by the rules.

[passionfruit]

"What kind of insane country has laws that prohibit giving something away?"

In California, Museums only need to keep items for a certain period of time, (I think 18 months) then they can dispose of it however they please.