Trump says US to sanction Turkey for detaining American pastor

Andrew Brunson was arrested shortly after a failed coup attempt in 2016.

Brunson has been in Turkish custody on terrorism and espionage charges | AFP via Getty Images

The United States will impose new sanctions on Turkey over their detainment of American pastor Andrew Brunson, President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday.

“He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!” Trump wrote.

Brunson, an evangelical pastor from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for the last 23 years, has been in Turkish custody on terrorism and espionage charges since being arrested shortly after a failed coup attempt on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government.

Brunson was transferred from prison to house arrest on Wednesday, but still faces the same charges, which have a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison, his lawyer told NBC News yesterday.

Earlier on Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence issued a similar threat at a religious freedom conference, saying that the U.S. would impose the sanctions if Brunson isn’t immediately released.

“I have a message on behalf of the president of the United States of America. Release Pastor Andrew Brunson now or be prepared to face the consequences.” Pence said.

Turkey is an important NATO ally for the U.S and hosts a base from which airstrikes against ISIS militants in Syria have been launched.

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