Senator Tillis Visits Pastor Andrew Brunson at Turkish Prison | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced that he met with imprisoned American pastor Andrew Brunson Monday at Buca Prison in Ismir, Turkey.

    Pastor Brunson is originally from Black Mountain, North Carolina, and has been imprisoned on false charges since October 7, 2016.

    Senator Tillis issued the following statement on his visit with Pastor Brunson:

• "Pastor Brunson is strengthened by his love for his family and his faith in God, but his health has deteriorated. He has lost 50 pounds and spends 24 hours a day in a cell with limited human contact. He is attempting to visit a doctor this week, which involves him being handcuffed and transported with several armed guards. He fears the possibility that the American government accepts the indictment and forgets about him, which we will not allow to happen.
• "There should be no mistake that Pastor Brunson is the victim of false accusations, and we call upon the Turkish authorities to honestly and transparently review his indictment. Pastor Brunson is being used as a political pawn by some elements of the Turkish government. These elements seek to undercut the longstanding partnership between the United States and Turkey, in which our two nations have enjoyed close diplomatic, economic, and military ties. It is vital that our nations continue this partnership and continue to work together to pursue our common interests.
• "I would also note the continued detention of multiple other U.S. citizens, as well as several Turkish staff of the U.S. diplomatic Mission, on scant evidence under the state of emergency, which continues to undermine the partnership between our two countries. It is time for Pastor Brunson and these individuals to be reunited with their families. We look forward to Pastor Brunson's return home to America."

• Contact: Daniel Keylin
•     daniel_keylin@tillis.senate.gov