US Department of State says unaware of American pastor's release deal

WASHINGTON - 11 October 2018: The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release.

NBC News reported on Thursday that the United States and Turkey had reached a deal in which Brunson was supposed to be released and certain charges against him dropped at the court hearing.

In addition to the U.S. State Department saying that it was unaware of such a deal, Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a briefing, declined to confirm any deal. But he voiced hopes for Brunson's release.

"We remain hopeful that with the court proceeding tomorrow that Turkey will see its way clear and free this good man who is guilty of nothing and who has been incarcerated for several years in Turkey unjustly," Pence said.