Andrew Brunson (center) is shown being transported from his home in Izmir, Turkey, to the court in Aliağa on October 12.
A Turkish court lifted the house arrest and international travel ban against EPC Teaching Elder Andrew Brunson on October 12, while sentencing him to 3 years, 1 month, and 15 days on charges that he assisted the Fethullah Gülen organization. The Turkish government blames Gülen for the failed July 2016 coup attempt and considers the organization a terrorist group.
By removing the travel restrictions, Brunson is free to leave Turkey.
The October 12 hearing was Brunson’s fourth appearance in court. At the close of the proceedings, the prosecutor asked for a 10-year sentence but requested that the court release Brunson from house arrest and lift the international travel ban.
“Finally, after two long years, Andrew has been released,” said EPC Stated Clerk Jeff Jeremiah. “God has shown Himself faithful—as He always does—to Andrew, Norine, and their family, as well as to the thousands and thousands of people who have been praying for the Brunsons for so long. Let’s continue to pray for their safety and quick departure from Turkey.”
Turkish and other international media reported that at several prosecution witnesses retracted earlier statements during the October 12 hearing in Aliağa, Turkey.
News media around the world began reporting on October 11 that a “secret deal” between the U.S. and Turkish governments had been reached. Under the agreement, Brunson would be released after certain charges against him were dropped, in return for a commitment by the U.S. to ease economic pressure on Turkey. It is unclear if the October 12 decision is in response to the reported pact.
Brunson is an EPC Teaching Elder from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey since 1993. He was originally detained on October 7, 2016, and held until July 25, 2018, when he was released from prison to house arrest. Brunson was indicted in March 2018 on charges of being a “member and executive” of the Gülen organization and supporting outlawed Kurdish militants. He faced up to 35 years in prison if found guilty of all the charges.
Praise God for His mercy and grace!!!
Praise the Lord for answered prayers for Andrew & family
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Praise the Lord🙏🙏
Andrew would never have been involved in any kind of terrorist activities. We know him and his family as they stayed in our home! He loves Turkey and its people. God has answered our prayers for his release.
My understanding is that current Turkish law classifies ‘Christianization’ as terror activity. So, that’s sharing the gospel, supposedly. Seems reminiscent of the policies of Sennacherib or perhaps Nebuchadnezzar. My goodness. He’s guilty of discipling brothers and sisters in the Way of the King of Kings! Once again, the Lord has shown His goodness, power, and mercy. And answered prayers. He is worthy of our praise forever and ever.
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS! A miracle performed!!