Europe

Turkish Court Releases Detained American Pastor

The court sentenced Andrew Brunson to more than three years behind bars. But the judge decided to release him on time served.

Turkish Court Releases Detained American Pastor
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
SMS

A court in Turkey has ordered the release of an American pastor who's been detained in the country since 2016.

According to reports out Friday, the court sentenced Andrew Brunson to more than three years behind bars. He was accused of terrorism and espionage.

But the judge decided to release him on time served, which allows him to leave the country immediately.

The pastor's been at the heart of rising tensions between the U.S. and Turkey, which have led to escalating sanctions and tariffs. Brunson left Turkey late Friday and is expected to arrive in the U.S. on Saturday.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.