Posted on 10/12/2018 7:03:26 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was swept up in a wave of arrests in the wake a failed coup attempt in Turkey, was released on Friday, easing a major controversy between the United States and the NATO ally.
A judge ordered Brunson's release as part of a reported deal in which President Trump will ease economic pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogans country. Turkey is not dropping the case against Brunson. The prosecutor demanded up to 10 years in prison for terror charges, a pro-government outlet reported, but Brunson will be allowed to leave the country.
The Second High Criminal Court in western Izmir province on Friday ruled for American pastor Andrew Craig Brunson to be sentenced to three years, one month and 15 days in prison, but said he will not spend anymore time in custody because of the time he has already served, Daily Sabah reported.
Trump tweeted in support of Brunson's release Friday morning.
The Trump administration has made Brunsons case a top priority for the U.S.-Turkey relationship. Erdogan had hoped to exchange Brunson for Pennsylvania-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, whom he has accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, but the pastors detention instead served to stoke U.S. frustration with Turkeys lurch toward authoritarian rule.
There is no credible evidence against him, Vice President Mike Pence said at a summit on religious freedom in July. "If Turkey does not take immediate action to free this innocent man of faith and send him home to America, the United States will impose significant sanctions on Turkey until Pastor Andrew Brunson is free.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonexaminer.com ...
Trump’s fault, again!
The leftist mob will never give Trump credit for this.
Actually, I’d give a lot of credit to VP Pence. He was a stalwart in these negotiations and refused to back down.
“No credible evidence against him”.
Gee, I wonder if the Resistance Media will insist Turkey keep the good pastor behind bars. An allegation, after all, is the same as credible evidence in their eyes.
I’m sure it was actually obama working behind the scenes that got him out! /S !!
Is he free to leave?
Just heard - 9th Circuit injunction prevents his release....
Wonderful news!
Thank you Lord Jesus
Kerry packed the cash and delivered it on his paddle board.
More winning for President Trump.
Prayer of thanks for Brunson’s safe return and for the safety of his local congregation in Turkey.
Being a Christian minister in a Muslim (anything) is always a losing preposition.
Just to win votes in North Carolina, one more Islamophobic bitter clinger walking around loose.
Has he left Turkey yet?
Over the past 40 years or so, it’s been given that you cannot trust hostage takers. Only their deeds.
Whether you’re picking up Anatoly Shcharansky on the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin, or cheering only after the 52 American hostages left Iranian airspace in 1981, you cannot be comfortable until it actually happens.
Yes, but it is still doing the Lord’s work and will.
Our lives here on Earth mean little; our reward in Heaven is great.
I can’t think of a better place to spread the Word than in the belly of the Beast. I also acknowledge I don’t have the guts to do so like these blessed men.
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!!
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