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AFP / Getty Images
Updated at 4 pm ET
The Trump administration threatens sanctions against Turkey if the US ally does not release an American pastor accused of terrorism and espionage.
At an event on religious freedom, Vice President Mike Pence called "If Turkey takes no immediate action to release this man of innocent faith and send him back to America, the United States will impose significant sanctions on Turkey until Pastor Andrew Brunson is free, "Pence said.
In a tweet, President Trump echoed this threat, calling Brunson "a great Christian, a family man and a wonderful human being."
The United States will impose heavy sanctions on Turkey for detaining pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian, a family man and a wonderful human being. He is suffering a lot. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2018
A Question of Faith
Brunson, 50, hails from North Carolina and has lived in Turkey for more than two decades. He was swept away by Turkish authorities with journalists, activists, military officers and others in a government crackdown following a failed military coup attempt in 2016.
at the State Department's ministerial conference for the advancement of religious freedom – a new event under the Trump – Pence administration has was joined by Brunson's daughter, Jacqueline Furnari. He had promised that he and Trump would continue to fight for Brunson's release. The Vice President stated that he had recently spoken to Brunson and his wife.
"I know his faith will support him," said Pence. "But he should not have to do it."
A First Step
Brunson was detained for over a year without charges before being accused of "splitting and separating Turkey by simply spreading his Christian faith". I said. Pastor denied being involved in anti-government activities, as alleged by Turkish authorities
In April, a bipartisan group of senators led by Thom Tillis of North Carolina signed a letter expressing concern over the situation of Brunson.
This week, the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee approved a law that would impose financial penalties on Turkey until the government ends the detention of Brunson and other US citizens. . As Erdogan's power grows and the "purge" continues “/>