ACLJ launches petition to free American pastor jailed in Turkey

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has started a petition on Wednesday calling for the release of an American pastor who was imprisoned in Turkey for his alleged ties to a terrorist organization.

Rev. Andrew Brunson and his wife, Norine, who have been living in Turkey for over 20 years, were initially detained on Oct. 7 after they were accused of conducting activities that were said to be a "national security risk." Norine was released on Oct. 19, but Brunson remained in detention.

On Dec. 8, the pastor was transferred to a counter-terrorism center, according to World Watch Monitor. He was then taken to a court in Izmir where he was interrogated and accused of being a member of an armed terrorist organization.

The officiating judge stated that the charge against Brunson came from a "secret informant." The pastor was accused of having links to the Fethullah Gulen movement, which is allegedly responsible for the failed military coup against the government on July 15. Brunson's Turkish attorney was not allowed access to his case file.

According to the ACLJ, the judge had the option to deport Brunson, release him on the condition that he would sign-in with local authorities weekly, or imprison him. The judge chose to remand the pastor to prison.

ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow announced that a global campaign has been launched to urge the Turkish government to release Brunson.

"The government of Turkey – led by an Islamic party – has begun increased crackdowns on Christians, and Pastor Andrew, if convicted, may face years in prison based on extremely serious – and false – charges. We are launching a global campaign to call attention to his plight demanding that Turkey – a NATO member – release Pastor Andrew without delay," Sekulow said in a statement.

Brunson's family issued a statement describing his imprisonment as "unbelievable" and "shocking."

"We are working to secure his freedom and will not rest until Andrew is free. We're grateful for the support of the ACLJ and others who are working to demand that Turkey release Andrew without delay," the family stated.