Source: Middle East Concern, January 2, 2017
An appeal for the release of Andrew Brunson, an American pastor imprisoned in Izmir, has been turned down. On December 9, Andrew Brunson, the pastor of Izmir Resurrection Church, was brought before a court in Izmir for questioning. The court ordered that Andrew be imprisoned on the grounds that he is linked to a terrorist organization. This accusation is based on the testimony of a ”secret informant.“
Andrew, a US citizen, was originally arrested with his wife Norine on October 7. They were told that they were to be deported as “a threat to national security.” Norine was subsequently released, but Andrew was held in an immigration detention facility until he was transferred to a prison in Aliaga, Izmir, after the court appearance.
On December 29 an appeal for Andrew’s release filed by his lawyer was rejected, but a further appeal can be made to a higher court.
Those close to Andrew Brunson request prayer that God will strengthen and encourage Andrew, speaking to him during his imprisonment, and comfort and protect his family; that the accusations against Andrew will be clearly repudiated; that family visits and telephone calls will not be obstructed; that Andrew will soon be released from detention and allowed to return home; and that Christians in Turkey will not be intimidated by these and other recent pressures.