Despite losing votes, the President wins the Presidential election (52%) and gains new powers as head of government. Opposition parties such as the pro-Kurds gain seats in Parliament.

The popularity of the powerful President is falling strongly. “None of the parties have mentioned religious freedom” in the campaign, says Turkish Protestant Pastor Ihsan Özbek.

A secret witness accused the US pastor in Izmir of supporting the Kurdish PKK movement. Three witnesses submitted by the defense were not allowed to testify.

Norine Brunson attended the hearing in Izmir on Monday. “The truth was spoken by Andrew and the Lord's name was glorified”.

Mass arrests, torture and arbitrary sackings are denounced by the United Nations. Pastor Andrew Brunson is one of the many imprisoned after the failed coup in 2016.

Fifty-seven countries respond to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city.

President Erdogan suggests he would be open to a prisoner exchange with the US. The pastor's wife shares a song he has written in prison: “My tears and pain I lift up as an offering”.

Pastor Andrew Brunson was serving in a church in Izmir when he was detained almost one year ago. Turkish Protestants said the accusations are “absurd”.

The opposition calls to invalidate the result of the constitutional referendum and the OSCE says it was not a “genuinely democratic process.” Christians in the country have been increasingly targeted under the pro-Muslim President.

The Turkish President continues inflammatory rhetoric against EU leaders. April referendum could expand his powers.

Plans for a new constitution would make it easier for the head of state to order a state of emergency. The post of Prime Minister could be abolished. 

Nationals of Germany, Belgium and France among victims of New Year’s Day attack. In Turkey, 300 people were killed in terrorist attacks in 2016.

Rev. Andrew Brunson has been serving in Turkey for 23 years. After being detained for 64 days, he now faces “terrorism” charges and alleged links with the Fetullah Gulen movement.

MEPs criticise the alarming lack of freedoms after the failed coup attempt in July. Christians in the country denounce growing pressure on churches.

An increasing atmosphere of Islamic triumphalism in the wake of the coup could potentially put pressure on Christians or increase the threat level for them in Turkey, but for now that threat isn't present.

More than 230 are wounded. Turkish officials have confirmed 13 foreign nationals were killed in the attack. All signs point to Daesh .

David Byle could be detained with no charges for 30 days. The Interior Minstry defines him as a “threat to public order.”

After a strong appearence in June’s election, pro-Kurdish HDP loses many seats. Evangelicals hoped to see a more plural parliament. 

After four elections, AKP has failed to maintain its majority. The pro-Kurdish HDP secured seats in parliament for the first time.