Vice President Mike Pence delivered a warning to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying the U.S. will impose sanctions until Pastor Andrew Brunson is released.

Pence delivered the warning on behalf of President Donald Trump Thursday at the first ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, hosted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pence addressed violations of religious freedom in various nations, from the persecution of Catholics in Nicaragua to the targeting of Yazidis by the Islamic State, affirming the U.S.’ commitment to fighting for universal religious freedom. Pence asserted that one victim of religious persecution who could not be present at the ministerial should also be honored — Andrew Brunson. (RELATED: American Pastor Ordered To Be Released From Turkish Prison)

“He is still not free. And to President Erdogan and the Turkish government, I have a message on behalf of the president of the United States of America — release Pastor Andrew Brunson now, or be prepared to face the consequences,” Pence said.

“If Turkey does not take immediate action to free this innocent man of faith and sending home to America, the United States will impose significant sanctions on Turkey until pastor Andrew Brunson is free.”

Trump reiterated the warning over Twitter.

Brunson, a pastor from North Carolina who has been ministering in Turkey for over 20 years, has been imprisoned in Turkey since October 2016. Turkish authorities arrested him shortly after the failed coup in July 2016, initially without charges. They later charged him with espionage and accused him of membership in and aiding of armed Islamic terrorist groups.

Turkish authorities refused to release Brunson from prison in three successive hearings, but released him from prison into house arrest Wednesday. Pence acknowledged the development, but demanded Brunson’s full freedom.

“Yesterday, Turkey released pastor Brunson from prison only to place him under house arrest. This is a welcome first step, but it is not good enough,” he said at the ministerial. “I spoke to pastor Brunson and his wife Maureen yesterday. I know that his faith will sustain him, but it shouldn’t have to. Pastor Andrew Brunson deserves to be free.”

“I promise you, as I told your father yesterday, President Trump and I will continue to fight to secure your father’s full release until he is restored to your family and returns to the United States of America to believers across America,” Pence said to Brunson’s family, before delivering Trump’s warning to Erdogan.

[ Ссылка ]

✝Donations are welcome & definitely appreciated! Thank you.

[ Ссылка ]
#POTUSTrumpMAGA
Don't forget to subscribe!
Visit The Website For Exclusive Videos!
[ Ссылка ]

свернуть