The judge did not consider the defense’s arguments that Mr. Fitton did not know he was in violation of the law and that the objects were not valuable.
Mr Fitton’s family said they would appeal the ruling and called on the British government to intervene.
“We are completely heartbroken that our best efforts, strong legal defense and constant campaigning have led to this result,” said Tasker, who is married to Fitton’s daughter Leila.
“We are disappointed, in fact, surprised by the total inaction of our own government in this case so far. We are calling and will continue to fight for Jim’s freedom, and we urge the government to support us all. the possible ways and to open lines of communication with us at a high level “.
In a petition that has attracted nearly 290,000 signatures, the family has accused the foreign ministry of not supporting a call for Iraq to drop the case after initially facing the death penalty.
An FCDO spokesman said: “We are providing consular assistance to a British citizen in Iraq and we continue to support his family. We are in contact with local authorities.”
Tasker previously told the Telegraph that his father-in-law was an avid collector of curiosities and said his room was “something like Indiana Jones,” with ink drawings of beautiful architecture from around the world. and shelves full of travel guides “. .
But Fitton “had always been very respectful of other cultures” and was not a criminal, Tasker said.
Since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, much of Iraq’s rich cultural heritage has been looted, with thousands of smuggled items out of the country.
Islamic State militants, in addition to destroying archaeological sites in situ, have also funded their activities by selling looted treasures abroad.
The Iraqi government has struggled to crack down on smuggling, with signs at Baghdad airport warning that removing antiquities from the country is illegal.
“Iraqis have made it clear that this is a very sensitive issue for a while, and it is also related to more general concerns about the financing of the fight against terrorism,” said Michael Stephens, a senior member of the Institute for Policy Research. Outdoor.