Research work lost in the woods..

'Whats wrong with the Indian Law and Wildlife Trust of India(WTI)' was my initial comment when I came across the news "Czech national gets three-year jail for stealing butterflies". This has pulled in the attention of research community all over the world and an online petition requesting for the release of these Czech nationals/scientists.
My curiosity to understand the situation better let me know few facts which everyone should know before actually coming to any conclusion on the topic.
Its very unfortunate the court in Darjeeling fined Petr Savacha, an entomologist, $500 and sentenced his associate Emil Kucera to three years in prison. Kucera also was fined $1,500.The court released Kucera on bail of $150 pending an appeal.
Having said that, I would like to mention that the facts taken into consideration in the trial were also significant and quite reasonable. An article by postdoctoral fellow will surely throw some light on it(Have to be a registered user to access it).

I am not here to question court's verdict and surely not to influence one's opinion on these scientists. But hoping for some kind of leniency in the higher court trial!