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Reports: Turkey to Put Jailed US Pastor Under House Arrest

by VOA News

   An American pastor who has been jailed in Turkey on terrorism and
   espionage charges will be put under house arrest, Turkey's official
   Anadolu news agency reported Wednesday.
   The two-year detention of Andrew Brunson, an evangelical pastor from
   Black Mountain, North Carolina, has strained relations between Turkey
   and the U.S., both NATO allies.

   The report of his transfer came one week after a court inside a prison
   complex in the western Turkish town of Alaga ruled to keep Brunson in
   detention while he is tried. The court dismissed Brunson's attorney's
   request for Brunson to be freed pending the outcome of the trial, which
   was adjourned until October 12.
   It is unclear when Brunson will be transferred.
   Brunson was indicted on charges of helping the network that Turkey
   blames for a failed 2016 coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
   in addition to supporting the outlawed Kurdish militants.
   The 50-year-old pastor, who denies the charges, could face up to 35
   years in prison if convicted.
   U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded Brunson's release.
   Last week Trump tweeted that Brunson's detention is "a total disgrace"
   and added, "He has done nothing wrong, and his family needs him!"