Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was wrongfully imprisoned by the Turkish government since October 7, 2016, has been released from Turkish house arrest and is free to travel due to the efforts of President Trump, including his administration and Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback. Moreover, Sen. James Lankford visited Turkey in December 2017 to meet with their Ministry of Justice officials to advocate for the release of Pastor Brunson. 

                                                                                  Liberty Counsel Team Members with Sam Brownback

Pastor Brunson, an American citizen who is originally from Black Mountain, North Carolina, has lived in Turkey for 23 years. He is a pastor for the Izmir Dirilis (Resurrection) Church, a small evangelical Presbyterian congregation in the city of Izmir. Brunson was indicted on bogus charges of “support of a terrorist organization” and “political or military espionage” and faced up to 35 years in prison. 

“We are grateful that Pastor Andrew Brunson is finally free,” said Mat Staver.

                                                                                                               Andrew and Norine Brunson

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