Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar (pictured, right), the two Bohemia Interactive developers arrested in September on suspicion of espionage, have been released from Greek prison on bail and may now return home to the Czech Republic. The pair were detained while holidaying on the Greek island of Lemnos, on the grounds that they had taken photographs and video footage of certain military items.
Precise bail conditions have not yet been revealed, but Czech news reports and the site helpivanmartin.org (which has done sterling work keeping the issue in the news) are stating that the bail amount has been set at 5,000 Euros each. According to Miloš Ku?era, the Czech deputy ambassador to Greece, the families of both men are said to be paying the bail.
“We have an unconfirmed report that both families have the money available and are discussing transferring the money to Greece with their attorney,” Mr Ku?era is quoted as saying.
This, of course, does not mean an end to the case. A further appeal is planned for late January or mid-Feburary, but after four months imprisonment without charge both men can at least leave prison and return to the Czech Republic.
The case has attracted attention at the highest levels of Czech and Greek governments, with Czech Prime Minister Petr Ne?as and President Václav Klaus making personal attempts to intervene on behalf of the imprisoned Bohemia employees. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has also been involved in the process.
Source: Help Ivan Martin
