Czech president joins ArmA 3 dev cause

Czech Republic leader Václav Klaus has publicly appealed to Greek president Karolos Papoulias regarding the detention of ArmA 3 developers Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar on espionage charges.

"I would like to address a matter of two Czech citizens who were arrested in Greece and charged with espionage," Klaus wrote, translated by Eurogamer.cz. "This case is very sensitive to the Czech public and also to me as President of the Republic. The fate of our citizens anywhere in the world matters to us.

"I have no doubt that the democratic Greek authorities - police, prosecutors and the courts - will consider this unfortunate matter impartially and independently. Even I do not in any way want to interfere with their work.

"I want to ask you, Mr. President, to follow this unfortunate affair with special attention considering the excellent relations between our nations so this does not throw unnecessary shade onto our relationship.

"Once again, I want to assure you that I have the utmost certainty that our accused citizens will be given all the rights in the search for justice by the Greek authorities.”

Reports of the pairs' arrest first came in September, when it was revealed the two had been arrested on the island of Lemnos, accused of recording footage of military facilities. Both they and Bohemia Interactive insist the accused were simply on holiday.

Since then the community has launched a website, Helpivanmartin.org and petition in support of Buchta and Pezlar, and recent justice strikes in Greece have delayed their trial and release.