Tags

Andrew Brunson

• Andrew Brunson Released!

  

  Christians in Turkey and around the world are praising God for the release of Andrew Brunson from Turkish captivity. While the charges were not dropped, the court ruled on October 12th that he should be released for good behaviour and time served. He was allowed to leave the country and return to the United States. (Previous report.)

  While we are thankful for his release, it is disappointing that he was convicted on bogus terrorism charges. According to Middle East Concern, Andrew's lawyer in Turkey will be appealing the conviction and sentence in order to clear his name.

• Upcoming Hearing and Appeal in Brunson Case

  

  In the next hearing, which is to be held tomorrow, October 12th, Pastor Andrew Brunson is scheduled to answer to charges related to terrorism and espionage. If convicted, Pastor Brunson could face up to 35 years in prison. The case has resulted in international strain, including U.S. sanctions and tariffs against Turkey.

  In a further development, Pastor Brunson's lawyer filed an appeal to the Turkish Constitutional Court, the highest court in the country. This appeal, which was filed on October 3rd, calls for his release from house arrest. For more information on the case against Pastor Brunson, visit our Turkey Country Report.

• House Arrest for Andrew Brunson

  

  In a story that carries strong political overtones, American pastor Andrew Brunson was transferred from prison to house arrest on July 25th, despite a rejected appeal only days before. It was speculated that the move had taken place in an effort to diffuse tensions between the United States and Turkey over Pastor Brunson's arrest and imprisonment.

  It is certainly an answer to prayer that he is no longer in prison. Yet the fact remains that he is still restricted and faces charges carrying very harsh penalties. David Curry from Open Doors USA affirmed, "While we are cautiously optimistic based on what we heard...there are still troubling factors. These trials can go on for a long time, and he's not been totally vindicated." For more information on Pastor Brunson's case, see this report.

• Pastor Brunson Remains in Custody

  

  Despite the hopes of many around the world that Pastor Andrew Brunson would be released from custody after his latest hearing on July 17th, a judge ruled that he is to remain at least until his next hearing on October 12th.

  Pastor Brunson, an American who served the Izmir Resurrection Church for more than 20 years, is facing allegations of conspiring to overthrow the government and espionage. Officials claim that he has been conspiring with a Muslim cleric who is living in exile in the United States. For more information on this case, visit this page.