President Donald Trump demanded that Turkey immediately release Pastor Andrew Brunson from house arrest. In the tersely worded tweet, the President promised “large sanctions” if Turkey did not release the “innocent man of faith.”
The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their long time detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian, family man and wonderful human being. He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2018
Turkish courts released Brunson from his 21-month imprisonment on Wednesday and placed him under house arrest because of health concerns. He will wear a monitoring bracelet until his trial resumes in October.
Turkish authorities imprisoned the longtime pastor and missionary after a failed coup attempt in 2013. They accused him of having ties to a group led by American cleric Fethullah Gulenand the Turkish Workers Party. The Turkish government considers both groups to be terrorist organizations. Brunson claims he has no ties to the group and does not take part in political activities in his pastoral work.
Trump spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting with NATO allies earlier this month. Trump agreed to release a Turkish citizen imprisoned in the United States in exchange for Brunson’s release. The President…
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