The Government of Aragón, led by Jorge Azcón, announced a detailed protocol for the return of the mural paintings from the Monastery of Sijena following the Supreme Court ruling that orders their restitution. The plan includes disassembly, restoration, and exhibition in the original location, supported by technical renovations of the building.
A specialized working group has designed a disassembly and transport process, with technical visits scheduled for May 2025 to verify conditions of humidity, temperature, and safety in the Chapter House of the monastery. Additionally, recent renovation projects ensure environmental stability in the space, allowing for the storage of fragments in the Chapter House and former dormitories.
The cabinet of Azcón maintained contact with the team of the Catalan president Pedro Sánchez to expedite the delivery, under the principle of judicial compliance and loyalty between administrations. Article 22 of the Statute of Autonomy of Aragón is invoked, which requires the recovery of looted cultural assets, serving as the legal framework for the process.
The management of the return has been driven since 2014 by the governments of Luisa Fernanda Rudi and Javier Lambán, continuing in the current administration. It is relevant to remember that the paintings were extracted during the Spanish Civil War without legal authorization, according to the Supreme Court ruling. Finally, it is important to highlight the work of the regional legal services and the judiciary in demonstrating the illegality of the extraction and ensuring the legal framework for repatriation.
