International
US threatens Turkey for detaining American preacher
The United States of America has threatened to impose significant sanctions on Turkey for daring to detain an American pastor identified as Andrew Brunson.
Reacting to the situation, Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday that if Turkey does not take immediate action to free Andrew Craig Brunson, “the United States of America will impose significant sanctions on Turkey”.
“Brunson is an innocent man, there is no credible evidence against him,” Pence said.
A court in Turkey ordered the detention of Brunson for charges bordering on spying and terrorism.
Read also: Japanese authorities execute 6 cult members
Brunson, a Christian pastor from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for more than two decades now faces up to 35 years in jail if found guilty.
“It is really hard to stay in jail and be separated from my wife and children,” Brunson, wearing a black suit and a white shirt, told the court.
“There is no concrete evidence against me. The disciples of Jesus suffered in his name, now it is my turn. I am an innocent man on all these charges. I reject them. I know why I am here. I am here to suffer in Jesus’ name.”
The clergy who denies the charges, was indicted for helping the group that Ankara blames for a failed 2016 coup against President Tayyip Erdogan, as well as supporting outlawed PKK Kurdish militia.
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