IZMIR, Turkey — Andrew Brunson, a Christian pastor from North Carolina imprisoned in Turkey on a false terrorism charge because of his Christian faith, now faces four new charges including espionage, according to The Christian Post.
The new charges against Brunson include “gathering state secrets for espionage, attempting to overthrow the Turkish parliament and government, and to change the constitutional order,” The Wall Street Journal reported, quoting the local Anadolu Agency.
Brunson has served the Turkish people for more than two decades. According to the U.S.-based International Christian Concern, Brunson led a Protestant church in Izmir, Turkey. Brunson and his wife, Norine, were reportedly summoned in October to discuss their application to renew their visas but were instead arrested by Turkish police.
Norine Brunson was released 13 days later but Andrew Brunson was charged with having links to terror organizations.
Andrew Brunson was jailed Oct. 7, 2016, and denied regular and appropriate access to legal counsel and American consular services. President Donald Trump reportedly spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about Andrew Brunson’s case when the latter visited the White House in May.
In a February letter to the Turkish president, 78 members of Congress wrote, “there appears to be no evidence to substantiate the charges against him (Brunson) for membership in an armed terrorist organization.”
The letter urged Turkish officials to “reaffirm respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.” (TAB)
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