After 128 days of imprisonment in Greece, Bohemia Interactive’s Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar are finally set to be released on bail. The amount of their bail, 5,000 Euros, seems a bit excessive given that the two, who were originally detained on espionage charges, have been deemed no threat to Greek national security. However, at this point their families and friends are just happy to have them returning to the Czech Republic.
Martin and Ivan were arrested while taking pictures of a military airbase while on holiday in Greece. The game they’re working on, ArmA III, has terrain modeled after the islands of Lemnos and Stratis, both in Greek territory. Their photography was likely intended to help them make more accurate, detailed models of Greek equipment and territory in game, but their acts were misconstrued by Greek authorities as attempted espionage.
The process of their release, due to tremendous political, social, and economic upheaval in Greece, has been an unnecessarily long, drawn out affair. But it appears that the process is nearing its end. To Ivan and Martin, we wish you a safe journey home.
Source: HelpIvanMartin