The former head of the Louvre Museum in Paris has been charged in connection with trafficking of ancient objects.

The former head of the Louvre Museum in Paris Jean-Luc Martinez has been charged in connection with a wide-ranging inquiry into the trafficking of ancient objects from the Middle East.

French investigators alleged Martinez facilitated the transfer of the objects to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

They reportedly included a granite stele inscribed with the seal of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun.

Martinez has however denied the charges and insisted that he acted in good faith.