After 1 year and 9 months of imprisonment, Andrew Brunson was granted a compassionate release from Turkey’s prison to be under house arrest.
The local Turkish newspapers released the Izmir court decision on July 25. Brunson left the Kiriklar prison around 5:30pm in the afternoon and was taken to his home where his wife resides.
Brunson’s lawyer and family confirmed that Brunson will wear an ankle monitor and cannot leave Turkey. The pre-trial house arrest will last till the next hearing – October 12, 2018.
“The change in decision of the Turkish courts brought a wave of encouragement and relief to the community of Christian believers in the area,” said a believer in the Christian community. After the release, Turkish and Iranian believers gathered to worship at Resurrection Church in Izmir.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,
for they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
(Matthew 5:10-12)
Pressure from President Trump, his campaign, and US Senate’s talk of withholding loans to Turkey are contributing reasons to the external pressure on Turkey’s decision.
A total disgrace that Turkey will not release a respected U.S. Pastor, Andrew Brunson, from prison. He has been held hostage far too long. @RT_Erdogan should do something to free this wonderful Christian husband & father. He has done nothing wrong, and his family needs him!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2018
We welcome long overdue news that Pastor Brunson has been moved from prison to house arrest in #Turkey, but it is not enough. We have seen no credible evidence against Mr. Brunson, and call on Turkish authorities to resolve his case immediately in a transparent and fair manner. pic.twitter.com/So2A4hfinZ
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) July 25, 2018
The believing community are calling for prayers to a fair trial and sound judgement at the hearing on October 12, 2018, for justice to prevail, and for Andrew’s complete release.