The American Center for Law and Justice is asking the United Nations and the international community to help call for the release of American Pastor Andrew Brunson.
According to CBN News, Brunson has been jailed in Turkey for nearly two years “for his Christian faith.”
CBN News says he is facing false charges and could spend his life in prison.
“By detaining and imprisoning Pastor Brunson because of his religious expression, peaceful association, and assembly of religious believers, Turkey is violating not only its obligations under the U.N. Charter but its own Constitution, as well as Pastor Brunson’s fundamental rights,” the ACLJ said.
“Therefore, these violations concern not only Turkey but every Member State and every agency of the U.N. Turkey has violated all of these protections by arresting and detaining an innocent pastor in prison nearly two years based on the hearsay testimony of secret witnesses.”
Brunson, his wife, Norine, and his three children led a small church in Turkey and had lived in the country for more than 20 years. He was arrested and charged in October 2016 with “Christianization.
Then in August, a court in Turkey denied an appeal to free the pastor.
In response, President Donald Trump said he would impose more sanctions on the country.
“The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their longtime detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian, family man, and wonderful human being,” Trump tweeted.
In August, Brunson was placed under house arrest because of health issues. Reportedly he has lost some 50 pounds in prison.
Trump said Brunson is “suffering greatly,” adding that “this innocent man of faith should be released immediately.”
The U.S. State Department is also working to secure Brunson’s release.
“It’s an ongoing conversation, it’s a very sensitive matter,” said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert. “We would like Pastor Brunson to be brought home very soon.”
Photo courtesy: Unsplash/Muzi Ntsaluba
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