ICC Note: A witness for imprisoned Pastor Andrew Brunson who was not allowed to testify has shared new details about the secret witness for the prosecution. The secret witness has a history of taking legal action against religious organizations, and his testimony in previous unrelated cases comprise a significant portion of Pastor Brunson’s indictment. Pastor Brunson remains imprisoned while he awaits his next trial date mid-July, after Turkey’s snap elections.   

06/06/2018 Turkey (Newsmax) –  Newsmax has obtained a copy of the indictment against American Christian Andrew Brunson, the pastor who remains in a Turkish jail on allegations he was somehow conspiring to overthrow the Turkish government. It casts serious doubts on the government’s case.

The new information emerged after a May 7 hearing at which a judge ruled Rev. Brunson would remain in prison at least until his next hearing in mid-July.

That judge refused to hear from any of the would-be witnesses who appeared in court to testify on Brunson’s behalf. There have been reports the potential witnesses who were prepared to defend Brunson have now been listed by that judge as “enemies of the state.”

Sources remarked even the Turkish reporters – that is, those media approved by State – appeared to be shocked no defense witnesses were called, and instead apparently had been blacklisted.

Brunson could face up to 35 years in prison if convicted, and a growing movement of activists in the United States is calling for his release.

One potential witness not permitted to testify, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, tells Newsmax he is outraged because one of the “secret” witnesses who spoke against Brunson had been involved in previous cases against religious organizations. That witness’ testimony comprises a considerable portion of the pastor’s 107-page indictment.

The source describes that key witness as an extortioner, who in recent years has allegedly used blackmail and physical threats in an attempt to confiscate large sums of money from several religious leaders.

On one occasion, sources say, Brunson’s accuser filed legal claims seeking $800,000 from a religious group, unrelated to Brunson’s case. The key witness against Brunson lost both the initial case, and a subsequent appeal.

An examination of Brunson’s indictment suggests some of its passages might have been adapted from distortions of the previous court case.

Sandra Jolley, the vice chair of the U.S. government Commission on International Religious Freedom, reported Brunson’s 11-hour-long hearing May 7 was “dominated by wild conspiracies, tortured logic, and secret witnesses, but no real evidence to speak of.”

She added: “Upon these rests a man’s life.”

…

For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].