Turkish prosecutor allows Brunson to use treadmill under house arrest

İZMİR

A Turkish prosecutor has issued a permit for United States pastor Andrew Brunson in response to his request to use a treadmill under house arrest. 

Demirören News Agency reported on Aug. 21 that Turkish officials came to Brunson’s house in the western province of İzmir and installed the treadmill he requested for health purposes.

Turkish security forces kept up with intensive measures on the street of Brunson’s house during the nine-day Islamic holiday of the Feast of Sacrifice, also known as Eid al-Adha.

Anti-terrorism and special forces units, as well as motorbike police units known as “dolphins” stay on duty at the two entrances of the street. Suspicious people and vehicles are searched at checkpoints.

Ties between Ankara and Washington are in an unprecedented crisis over the continued detention of Brunson.

Brunson, who has been living in Turkey for more than two decades, was accused of helping supporters of the U.S.-based Fethullah Gülen who Turkish authorities say masterminded the 2016 coup attempt in which 250 people were killed.

U.S. administration had imposed sanctions and vows to do more against Turkey in the case the pastor would not be released immediately.