Preacher VS is released despite sentencing Turkish judge

aliaga - The American preacher Andrew Brunson is released immediately. The Turkish judge sentenced him to three years in prison, but said immediately that he no longer has to go back to jail, since he has been in pre-trial detention long enough. All restrictions on the evangelical minister have also been lifted.

According to eyewitnesses in the courtroom, Brunson (50) cried during the verdict. Shortly before, he had said to the court: 'I am an innocent man. I love Jesus, I love Turkey. 'President Donald Trump responded to the statement via Twitter:' My thoughts and prayers are with predecessor Brunson, we hope to have him back home safely. '

During the requisitoir it became clear that the judiciary was in charge of release. Although the prosecutor demanded ten years in prison against Brunson, who was on trial for terrorism because of involvement in the failed coup d'état in 2016, he also asked for his house arrest and other restrictive measures to be lifted.