Detained Arma 3 Developers Speak Out Over Spying Allegations

Last week, news broke that two developers from Bohemia Interactive, currently working on ArmA3, had been arrested in Greece for allegedly “spying” on military installations. Now, the two detained developers are speaking out.

The developers, Martin Pezlar and Ivan Buchta, sent out a press release early this morning to clarify the situation, which the duo describes as a “absurd misunderstanding.”

“The conditions are tough, but the people we meet treat us fairly and correctly,” Pezlar and Buchta said in a press release. “It is all a completely absurd misunderstanding that will certainly be quickly explained.”

Pezlar and Buchta were arrested over a week ago on the Greek island of Lemnos. Police alleged that the two had willingly snapped photos and/or videos of military bases in the area without permission. In an accompanying statement, Bohemia Interactive explains the situation:

“They [Pezlar and Buchta] took photographs and videos in public areas, as countless tourists arriving to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Greece may well do. These included a short video as they drove through the main road passing around the international airport, where in one short part of the video off in the distance some hangars and other buildings of the complex can be seen. It’s very likely that many tourists may have pictures similar to those taken by Ivan and Martin in their own family albums, without being aware that they put themselves or their families at risk.”

Pezla and Buchta are currently waiting trial, although no formal charges have been filed.