Turkey rejects US pastor's appeal for release

A Turkish court has rejected an appeal for U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson to be released from house arrest during his trial on terrorism charges.

Brunson’s lawyer, İsmail Cem Halavurt, filed the demand on August 14 around a week after his previous appeal was rejected by the court in İzmir.

The 2nd Penal Court in İzmir rejected the appeal today and sent the defendant's petition to an upper court, Hurriyet Daily reported.

Brunson, who has been living in Turkey for more than two decades, was accused of helping supporters of the U.S.-based Fethullah Gülen who Turkish authorities say masterminded the 2016 coup attempt. He was also charged with supporting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The pastor was released for house arrest on July 25. The court ordered him to wear an electronic bracelet at all times and barred him from traveling outside of the country.

His next hearing as part of the trial is scheduled for October 12.