U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Two Turkish Ministers Over Reverend Branson’s Detention

The United States government has imposed sanctions on two Turkish ministers, Abdelhamid Gol, the Justice Minister, and Sulayman Suylu, the Secretary of the Interior, in response to the detention of American Reverend Andrew Branson. The sanctions were announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, which stated that the ministers acted as leaders of Turkish government organizations responsible for serious human rights violations.

The White House spokesperson, Sarah Sanders, noted that the two ministers played a key role in Reverend Branson’s arrest in 2016 and his subsequent detention. The U.S. Treasury explained that the sanctions were imposed due to the ministers’ involvement in actions that violated international human rights standards.

Reverend Branson was arrested on December 9, 2016, and has been held in house arrest. He was charged with crimes allegedly committed on behalf of the Fethullah Gülen group and the Workers’ Party, both of which Turkey classifies as terrorist organizations. The Turkish government accuses Reverend Branson of cooperating with these groups despite being aware of their objectives.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated in an official announcement that the “unjust detention” of Reverend Branson and his continued trial by Turkish officials were totally unacceptable. President Donald Trump had previously emphasized that the United States expected Turkey to release Reverend Branson immediately.

In a related development, the U.S. Department of State announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called his Turkish counterpart, Ould Jawishoglu, to discuss the situation. The call was part of efforts to demand Reverend Branson’s release. U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Noirt stated that Reverend Branson’s house arrest should be lifted, and he should be returned to his home.

Pompeo informed President Trump that the sanctions against the two Turkish ministers were “appropriate procedure” in response to Turkey’s refusal to release Reverend Branson. The pastor’s arrest has contributed to the growing tension between the United States and Turkey.

The case of Reverend Branson highlights the complex legal and diplomatic challenges involving religious figures and international relations. The situation underscores the importance of accountability and the protection of individuals’ rights, even in the context of geopolitical tensions.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)