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US President Donald Trump has posted a Tweet in support of US citizen Priest Andrew Brunson, who has been standing trial on charges of “military and political espionage” and “committing crime on behalf of a terrorist organization as non-member” in Turkey.
Saying that Brunson is tried in Turkey for no reason, Trump tweeted:
“Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason. They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!”
Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason. They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 18 Nisan 2018
Priest of Diriliş Kilisesi (Resurrection Church) in İzmir, priest Andrew Craig Brunson had his first hearing at İzmir 2nd Heavy Penal Court on Monday (April 16) after 16-month detention. Accused of “military and political espionage”, many charges are pressed against Brunson including “Contacting FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization) members to be able to open a church in Turkey”.
The court ruled for the continuation of arrest of Brunson in the first hearing. The next hearing is on May 7, 2018. (PT/TK)