News by email Donate

Suggestions

Mike-Pence-main_article_image.jpg
PA
World News

'We won't stop until he's fully released' - Mike Pence promises pastor in Turkey

by Eno Adeogun

Mike Pence's promise follows reports on Wednesday that the American pastor, detained for nearly two years on terror and espionage charges in Turkey, will be placed under house arrest as his trial continues.

Responding to the update, Pence tweeted that both him and Donald Trump "made clear last week and have worked tirelessly for months to free Pastor Andrew Brunson".

He added: "He should have been freed long ago. He's now under house arrest - but we won't stop until he's fully released and reunited with his family, friends and church. #FreeAndrewBrunson."

Mr Pence also threatened Nato ally Turkey with economic sanctions over the issue while speaking at the close of a three-day conference on religious freedom.

He said that if Turkey does not take immediate action to free Brunson "the United States of America will impose severe economic sanctions on Turkey."

Andrew and Norine Brunson/Facebook

Brunson, a 50 year old evangelical pastor from Black Mountain, North Carolina, was arrested in December 2016 and later charged with links to a failed plot to overthrow the Turkish government in July 2016.

Supporters claim he is effectively a political prisoner being held as a bargaining chip by Turkey who is actively seeking the extradition of preacher Fethullah Gülen, which it blames for the failed coup.

Brunson faces up to 15 years in prison for "committing crimes on behalf of terror groups".

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate