Turkish judge refuses Brunsons release

A Turkish judge dismissed in appeal the release of the American reverend Andrew Brunson.

Brunson is under house arrest, after having been in prison for more than a year and a half. He is accused of terrorist activities and involvement in the failed coup in 2016.

The preacher, who has been running a small Christian congregation in Izmir for many years, denies all accusations. He has had President Donald Trump at his side for some time. It caused a diplomatic crisis between the US and Turkey. Due to the American sanctions and the threat of more punitive measures, the lira has fallen sharply in value.