Captain Bekavac released from Turkish custody

Croatian sea Captain Marko Bekavac has returned back to Croatia after spending nearly two years in custody in Turkey. 

Captain Bekavac was charged and sentenced in Turkey to thirty years in prison after 137 kilograms drugs were found on a Turkish ship under his command.

His release was the result of massive diplomatic efforts by President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, several ministries, and Croatia's sizable maritime community.

In fact, his release came as a surprise to the captain's family and legal team.

Jozo Bekavac, Marko's brother, said the family was not expecting his release.

"We heard from him yesterday and he thought they were transferring him to another cell block. After that, I contacted the lawyer to see what was going on. But, as it turns out, they had released him," said Jozo.

The family expressed their gratitude to the state institutions and journalists for placing a spotlight on the case.

"Nobody expected this," said lawyer Jasna Kotarac Jabuka. "This is fantastic news for all of us. Ultimately we expected this outcome after the time, work and effort invested, not just by us, but by the relevant institutions as well.

Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman said the release of Captain Bekavac confirmed the importance of the commitment and cooperation of all state institutions in the protection of Croatian citizens throughout the world.

Justice Minister Damir Habijan said the government was very happy that the situation turned out the way it did.

Secretary General of the Croatian Seafarers' Union Neven Melvan said the problem faced by Captain Bekavac was unfortunately an all too common occurrence for sailors around the world.