October 12, 201810/12/2018

Black Mountain native, Pastor Andrew Brunson, likely to be released from Turkish prison today

Two years after being detained under conspiracy charges by the Turkish government, North Carolina Pastor Andrew Brunson is expected to be released today after the White House reportedly struck a deal. 

Brunson was in harsh Turkish prison conditions facing a 35-year jail sentence before aggressive pressure from the Trump administration got him moved to house arrest in July. Since then, negotiations between Ankara and Washington, D.C. have left Brunson's family and friends unsure of the final outcome. 

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has focused on the issue and released a press statement with other U.S. senators. 

“Pastor Andrew Brunson and his family have been through an incredibly trying ordeal for the last two years. Their faith and strength have been an example to us all. It is our greatest hope that the Pastor will finally be allowed to return home to his family in the United States after his hearing tomorrow. This significant step would not only allow the Brunson family to move forward with their lives, but it would help improve U.S.-Turkey relations for the long-term. Ultimately, the United States and Turkey are NATO Allies and have a number of mutual concerns regarding regional security and stability. It is time that we close this ugly chapter in our relations and move from discussing the release of innocent Americans and U.S. Embassy staff to working together as Allies on issues of mutual concern.”

President Trump increased pressure in August by placing economic sanctions on Turkey over the issue. Turkey arrested Brunson after a failed coup attempt in the summer of 2016. People with any connection to those suspected of being involved were rounded up as the government sought to eliminate any chance of a repeat attempt. It is unclear what, if any, connection Brunson had with the plotters, but he has been a pastor for evangelical churches in Turkey for around two decades. 

Brunson was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and served as a pastor in nearby Montreat before going overseas as a missionary.