WASHINGTON - A Turkish court on Friday released American pastor Andrew Brunson after more than two years of detention in a case that caused a deep rift in U.S.-Turkey relations and was sharply criticized by the Trump administration.
Brunson, a Christian missionary who has lived in Turkey for more than two decades, was arrested in 2016 and accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He had rejected the allegations.
President Donald Trump had clashed with Erdogan over Brunson’s case – going so far as to slap sanctions and tariffs on Turkey earlier this year to pressure the Turkish leader.
“We’re very honored to have him back with us," Trump said after landing in Ohio for a campaign rally on Friday. "He suffered greatly.”
Trump told reporters that Brunson would be visiting the White House on Saturday, saying the U.S. pastor had left Turkey and was stopping in Germany for a medical examination before continuing his trip to the United States.
Trump said “no deal” was made with Turkish officials to secure Brunson’s release.
“We’re very happy to have him … I hear he’s in very good shape,” said Trump.
Trump started off his Friday night rally with the news of Brunson's release and used it as a chance to showcase the other successes his administration has had with releasing Americans held abroad in North Korea, Egypt and Venezuela.
"We bring a lot of people back and that's good," the president said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Brunson and his family for their “bravery and faith” and the work of Trump and several senators for securing Brunson’s release from detention.
“I hope the conclusion of this ugly episode will mark a turning point toward better days for the important relationship between the United States and Turkey,” McConnell said in a statement.
Laura Brunson, the pastor’s sister, told Fox News that all the charges brought against her brother were “false” and that his family is “just glad it’s over.”
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride,” she said. “We are overjoyed right now, but it just doesn’t still doesn’t seem quite real.”
Brunson is not the only U.S. citizen detained in Turkey, but he has gained the most attention in part because of his ties to the American evangelical community. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have become personally involved in pressing for his release.
Groups promoting global freedom and protections of Christians applauded Brunson’s release and Trump’s intervention.
“The president has rightly recognized that economic leverage can help bring positive change for human rights and can convey a powerful message of solidarity with oppressed religious minorities, especially persecuted Christians,” said David Curry, president of Open Doors USA in a statement. “In this case, it worked and was helpful in the release of an American Christian.”
Brunson, who has family roots in North Carolina, has been under house arrest with his wife Norine – forbidden from leaving his guarded apartment in Izmir, a city on Turkey's southwest coast.
Brunson previously served 20 months in a Turkish jail. He could have faced up to 35 years in prison. His supporters have said the charges against him are absurd.
"He is not an armed terrorist trying to overthrow any government," Brunson’s daughter, Jacqueline Brunson Furnari, said at a July 24 State Department forum on human rights and religious freedom. "... Every single thing in his life is centered on his faith."
Before his arrest, Andrew Brunson and his wife a tended to a small congregation at their Resurrection Church in Izmir, a city of 4.2 million people that's nearly twice as large as Houston. They spent years ministering to Christians in a country where Islam is the religion followed by the vast majority of Turks.
Tesla Model 3 reliability issues lead to downgrade by Consumer Reports
24 Minutes ago
It's intriguing Congress needs lessons on national security: Arun Jaitley
29 Minutes ago
Online romance scams cost victims thousands. Read the story of one man who lost $31,000.
32 Minutes ago
Starting Five: Duke-Syracuse, other conference races highlight college basketball weekend
34 Minutes ago
MLB 2019: Sleepers and players set to break out this season
34 Minutes ago
Jussie Smollett hate attack claim: 'Bogus police reports cause real harm,' police say
41 Minutes ago
National Margarita Day brings salted specials and deals on the rocks Friday
44 Minutes ago
As NFL scouting combine looms, Kyler Murray will face plenty of tough questions
44 Minutes ago
Time's Up: CEO Lisa Borders' resignation came after sexual assault claim against son
45 Minutes ago
MLB players are ready to 'burn the whole system down.' Here's what they want to avoid a strike.
47 Minutes ago
Pennsylvania boy, 4, dies after being impaled with glass shard
49 Minutes ago
Gallery: Snow falls on the Las Vegas Strip
49 Minutes ago
Amit Shah lambasts DMK-Congress combine, says its synonymous with corruption
50 Minutes ago
2 terrorist killed in Pulwama encounter
53 Minutes ago
Amit Shah attacks 'mahagathbandhan', hits out at LDF, UDF in Kerala
54 Minutes ago
UGC writes to varsities across country to ensure safety of Kashmiri students
54 Minutes ago
Incredible photos show underwater statues created for artificial reef
55 Minutes ago
Democrats to offer measure to try to stop Donald Trump's declaration of emergency at the border
55 Minutes ago
Democrats to offer measure to try to stop Donald Trump's declaration of emergency at the border
59 Minutes ago
America landed a man on the moon. Climate change calls for the same bold, can-do spirit.
1 Hour ago
Powerful 7.5-magnitude quake hits eastern Ecuador
1 Hour ago
MLB 2019: Sleepers and players set to break out this season
1 Hour ago
What Chelsea transfer ban means for USMNT star Christian Pulisic
1 Hour ago
3 reasons you might want to wait to file for Social Security and avoid early retirement
1 Hour ago
NRIS.COM is one of the premier NRI website that provides a range of resourceful services to Indian expats residing in the USA. Visiting the site you will find comprehensive information related to restaurants, casinos, pubs, temples, carpool, movies, education, real estate, and forums. The simple and easy to navigate format allows NRIs to gain information within a fraction of a second. Moreover, advertising through its column of Indian free classifieds in USA allow businesses to improve visibility of their brand.