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Confronting Religious Persecution at the IRF Summit

Feb. 10Stories That Demand Action:

Last week I spoke on a panel at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C.—a global gathering that brings together advocates, policymakers, and legal experts from around the world who are on the front lines of defending religious freedom. The Summit provides a rare forum to share firsthand experiences, expose ongoing...More

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Save Christians From Murder in Congo

Save Christians From Murder in...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again become the site of unspeakable violence , with Christian communities being targeted by terrorists and militant forces. On February 15, over 70 Christians – primarily women, children, and the elderly – were added to the list of victims when they were abducted...More

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Andrew Brunson

UPDATE: Turkish prosecutor now states he has not turned in an indictment regarding Pastor Andrew Brunson.

In an incredible turn of events this morning, Pastor Andrew’s Turkish attorney was able to meet face to face with the Turkish prosecutor, who is now denying the news reports that an indictment has been turned in regarding Pastor Andrew. Apparently, a draft has been prepared, but it has not yet been turned in to the court.

Since the case remains sealed, we will have to wait for the coming weeks to see how this situation plays out. In the meantime, Pastor Andrew remains behind bars, separated from his family, now for almost a year and a half. 

Now more than ever, we need to demand that this charade end, and this innocent pastor be released.  Please join with the over 450,000 people, from all over the world, who have already signed the petition demanding Pastor Andrew’s release.

ORIGINAL POST: Pastor Andrew Brunson’s Turkish attorney was able to confirm today that the prosecutor has indeed turned in an indictment to the court covering two of the five allegations and asking for 35 years in prison, which in reality amounts to a life sentence for Pastor Brunson, who is 50 years old.   This action finally occurring almost one and a half years after Pastor Brunson’s arrest.  The court will now have fifteen days to return a decision on the indictment.  If approved, the case will proceed and the prosecution phase will begin.

As you recall, Pastor Brunson was originally detained by Turkish authorities in Izmir on October 7, 2016, despite having committed no crime and having peacefully lived out his religious beliefs in service to the people of Turkey for over two decades. Pastor Brunson’s case has not only caught the world’s attention, but also that of President Trump, who himself has demanded Pastor Brunson’s release on several occasions. However, as indicated by President Erdoğan’s recent demand to swap Pastor Brunson for Fethullah Gülen, it seems Pastor Brunson has become a political prisoner and bargaining chip for Turkey.

Incredibly, no evidence has been put forth to substantiate any of the ridiculous accusations against Pastor Brunson, and although he has been allowed legal representation since December 9, 2016, all discussions with his attorney are recorded, and  his legal file has been sealed, completely destroying the ability to prepare an adequate defense, and obliterating all rights to due process. If the case now moves forward, the file should no longer be sealed and Pastor Brunson and his attorneys should finally be able to have access to the alleged evidence and secret witness.

These actions by Turkey will now be evaluated by the incoming Secretary of State, former Congressman Mike Pompeo, an attorney and former military captain, who is currently the head of the CIA. He is replacing Secretary Rex Tillerson, who just recently visited Turkey as a part of a newly established working group created to repair U.S. and Turkey relations.

We have been working closely with the State Department fighting for Pastor Brunson’s release, and we look forward to continuing to do so under the leadership of the new Secretary of State.  Join with us in this fight for freedom. Sign our petition today.

493,745

Signatures

Thibault van den Bossche  //

Dec 03, 2025

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey at the end of November marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first “ecumenical” council in Christian history. Behind the ceremonial receptions lies a harsh...

Jordan Sekulow  //

Dec 20, 2024

A Christian pastor of a home church, Mojtaba Ahmadi, faces being sent back to Iran, where he has already endured over 170 days of brutal torture for his faith in Christ. The ACLJ is advocating at the U.N. for...

CeCe Heil  //

Jun 12, 2020

Christians within India are increasingly becoming the target of brutal persecution. And at the ACLJ, we’ve witnessed first-hand the escalation in targeted persecution of these Christians. For seven months, we...