Trump threatens Turkey with sanctions over imprisoned pastor

US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened Turkey with sanctions if it did not release an American pastor being held on espionage charges.

Trump said on Twitter: “The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their long-time detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great christian, family man and wonderful human being. He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!”

Brunson, who has maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment, was arrested in the aftermath of the July 2016 coup attempt against Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

US sanctions would place considerable strain on a Turkish economy where public finances are vulnerable to ‘shock’ factors following government efforts to spur bank lending by increasing loan guarantees.

The Turkish lira extended losses, leading EMFX declines, after US Vice-President Mike Pence earlier told the Turkish government to “release pastor Andrew Brunson now or be prepared to face the consequences”.