35 minutes agoAmerican pastor, who became an apple of contention between America and Turkey, appears before court
Periskopi(8 years ago)
(8 years ago)US pastor Andree Brunson, who is placed at the centre of the conflict between Ankara and Washington, has appeared before a court in Turkey to resume judgment on terrorism-related charges. Observers expect to see whether he will be released, as the United States has threatened with additional sanctions in case [...]
US pastor Andree Brunson, who is placed at the centre of the conflict between Ankara and Washington, has appeared before a court in Turkey to resume judgment on terrorism-related charges.
Observers expect to see whether he will be released, as the United States has threatened with additional sanctions in case of holding Brunson in Turkey.
Brunson, 50, could be sentenced to 35 years in prison if convicted of terrorism and spying.
Prosecutors accuse him of committing crimes on behalf of terrorist groups. They assume Brunson is linked to the group of Kurdish militants led by the US-based Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in 2016.
Brunson, who has lived in Turkey for more than two decades, denies the accusations. Washington claims it is being held unjustly by Turkish authorities, in the context of arrests and government measures following failed stamps.
US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters on October 11th that Washington hopes it will be released very soon. The United States has sanctioned two Turkish officials and doubled tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminum imports.
Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan has challenged US demands for Brunson's release. However, he has earlier mentioned any possible Gulen exchange with Brunson. /Top Channel
