Turkey Won't Refuse to Cooperate With Russia, Iran on Syria - Deputy PM
- by Leona Burton
- in World Media
- — Apr 16, 2018
Washington has known for Brunson's re lease though Erdogan suggested this past season his fate might possibly be associated with that of USA -based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose extradition Ankara has sought to face charges within the coup endeavor.
Brunson is also accused of having ties to the Kurdistan Workers Party - a militant group that both Turkey and the United States consider a terrorist organization - and revealing state secrets.
Brunson, who has lived in Turkey for 23 years, has denied all allegations, saying that he exclusively worked as a pastor. Brunson denies any wrongdoing. "I was never involved in any illegal activities", said Brunson, making his defense in Turkish. "I am a Christian pastor".
More news: JIT to probe firing at residence of Justice Ijazul AhsanThe agency said the pastor delivered his defence statement in Turkish. Also in court were Sam Brownback, the US ambassador at large for religious freedoms, and US Senator Thom Tillis.
Brownback told reporters during a recess on Monday that U.S. &ldquoWe desire Brunson to become freed instantly. "We are hopeful (that) the judicial system will find that". The prosecution is seeking a jail sentence of up to 35 years.
The Izmir prosecutor's office said that sufficient evidence had been obtained to charge Brunson with aiding armed terrorist organisations and obtaining confidential government information for political and military espionage.
More news: United Kingdom hit a specific and limited set of targets in Syria: MayUS officials have repeatedly called for Brunson's released, and President Donald Trump has asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to have his government "expeditiously" return the pastor to the U.S.
Relations between Turkey and the U.S. were already strained over American support for Kurdish militias in Syria, which have been targeted by Turkish forces.
"Give him (Gulen) to us, and we will try (Brunson) and return him", Erdogan said previous year.
More news: All 5 accused in Makkah Masjid blast case acquittedMr Gulen has denied any involvement in the attempted coup, and the European Union has said it does not share Turkey's view that his network is a terror organisation.
