U.S. considering options for consequences in case of pastor on trial in Turkey - State Dept.

The Trump administration warned Turkish government that it is considering punitive "consequences" if Ankara does not throw out the charges or acquit an American pastor accused of espionage and aiding terrorist groups
Wednesday, 18 April 2018 19:28

The United States is considering possible consequences against Turkey if the country does not uphold standards of justice in the trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell said during testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

"We are watching to see if the Turks adhere to their stated standards of justice. If that does not happen, we are considering options for consequences.  We’re in close coordination and touch with the Senate and the House and talking through some of those possible measures," Mitchell said.

Brunson has been in a Turkish jail since October 2016 on charges he is a threat to national security for alleged connections to the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen's network, which attempt a failed military coup in Turkey.

Mitchell said the State Department is consulting with Congress about "possible measures" to take against Turkey if Brunson is not released, but he did not elaborate.

Mitchell added that the claims in the indictment against Brunson are "laughable" and he is "clearly an innocent man."

Mitchell's comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump called Brunson "a fine gentleman and Christian leader" who was "being persecuted in Turkey for no reason. They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!"