A Turkish court has ruled for the release of an American pastor at the heart of a diplomatic dispute between Turkey and the United States after a hearing on Oct. 12 during which key witnesses flipped and the prosecution softened.
The fourth hearing against Andrew Brunson began at 10:40 a.m. in a prison complex in the Aliağa district of the coastal city of İzmir, ending at 4:28 p.m. with the court’s ruling.
The evangelical pastor was accused of terror-related charges and espionage, facing up to 35 years in prison.
More: Turkish court releases US pastor Brunson after eventful hearing