United States sanction 2 Turkish officials over detained American pastor

The United States sanctioned two Turkish officials over a detained American pastor who is being tried on espionage and terror-related charges.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders today said the Trump administration would sanction Turkey's Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu over the holding of 50-year-old Andrew Craig Brunson. 

The men had played leading roles in Brunson's 2016 arrest and detention, said Sarah Sanders.

Treasury



Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement formally announcing the financial restrictions, Pastor Brunson's unjust detention and continued prosecution by Turkish officials is simply unacceptable. 

President Trump has made it abundantly clear that the United States expects Turkey to release him immediately, he added. 

On Tuesday, a Turkish court rejected Brunson's appeal to be released from house arrest during his trial on terrorism charges.