Imprisoned Bohemia developers released on bail

Two imprisoned Bohemia Interactive developers detained in Greece on accusations of espionage have been released on bail.

Martin Pezlar, 28, and Ivan Buchta, 33, can now return to their families in the Czech Republic after being held in prison for the last four months, although their bail will only last for 128 days.

The duo are still under investigation on charges of spying and espionage over what Greece claims are illegally obtained photos of sensitive military installations on the island of Lemnos. They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The bail sum for Pezlar and Buchta’s release was set at 5,000 euros each.

Upon receiving the news, Pezlar’s mother Iveta Pezlarova told www.idnes.cz: “I cannot describe, we rather didn’t count on anything. It’s unbelievable”.

Buchta and Pezlar were detained in September when on holiday on the isle of Lemnos having been accused of taking photographs and videos of military facilities in the region.

The developers claimed however they were simply just on vacation, and did not take any pictures for the development of ArmA III.

Despite repeated attempts to be released, having previously been denied bail in November, the duo are now free to return home.

This is not the first time local authorities in Lemnos have expressed their concern toward Bohemia over the island being used in the military themed shooter, with officials having previously stated their legal right to defend the island’s reputation.

"We cannot fathom that our island, a place of peace and creation, will be turned into a scene for violence and battle," said Lemnos Mayor Antonis Hatzidiamantis in September 2011.

"We reserve our legal rights to defend our island’s reputation.”