US pastor denies terror links, spying in Turkish court

An American pastor has denied accusations that he aided terror groups or spied against Turkey, speaking at the beginning of his trial in a case that has strained ties between Turkey and the United States.

Andrew Craig Brunson, a 50-year-old evangelical pastor from North Carolina, faces up to 35 years in prison on charges of "committing crimes on behalf of terror groups without being a member" and "espionage."
"The Administration is deeply concerned about this case," Brownback told reporters outside the courthouse. "We completely believe (that) Andrew Brunson is innocent. We are hopeful (that) the judicial system will find that."