Controversy between the United States and Turkey: Erdoğan threatens Trump's policy

The US president announced "far-reaching sanctions" if Ankara does not release an American pastor. Now, the head of the Turkish state responds.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan fights for an American priest imprisoned in Turkey. He said he would not give in to the threats of sanctions of US President Donald Trump, Erdoğan told Haberturk station and other media reports Sunday.

The friendship between the United States and Turkey is in danger. "We will not back down if we are threatened with sanctions," Erdoğan said. "You have to remember that you are going to lose a serious partner."

US President Donald Trump announced "far-reaching sanctions" if Turkey did not release Pastor Andrew Brunson. He did not name any details. Brunson was placed under house arrest after 21 months in prison a few days ago. He has been working in Turkey for more than two decades. The pastor is accused of having supported the PKK, banned party of Kurdish workers, and the group behind the failed coup d'état of July 2016. When he is found guilty, he risk up to 35 years in prison. Brunson rejected the allegations. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke Saturday about the case, according to the US State Department.