Airport stops women with human remains in suitcase

MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Two Italian women carrying luggage containing the remains of a man who died in Brazil 11 years ago were stopped by Munich airport police during a stopover on their journey from Sao Paulo to Naples.

"Airport security spotted the skull and bones when the suitcase was put through the x-ray machine," police spokesman Christian Maier said.

One of the women was the dead man's sister and she explained to surprised officials that it had been her brother's wish to be buried in Italy.

After showing his death certificate, the Italians, aged 63 and 62, were allowed on their next flight to Naples.

"We questioned the women and they produced a valid death certificate showing he had died 11 years ago of natural causes. As they were not violating any German laws they were allowed to continue their journey to Italy," said Maier.

(Writing by Erik Kirschbaum; Editing by Matthew Jones)