A Turkish court on Tuesday rejected an appeal to release U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson from house arrest during his trial, local media reported.
The Second High Penal Court in Turkey's western province of Izmir refused the application by Brunson's lawyer Ismail Cem Halavurt, the NTV broadcaster said.
Halavurt also demanded the removal of the ban on Brunson's departure from the country, according to NTV.
The same court last week moved Brunson from prison to house arrest in Izmir under judicial control, citing his health problems.
The Turkish authorities accuse the pastor of espionage and having links to a network led by the U.S.-based outlawed cleric Fethullah Gulen and the Kurdistan Workers' Party.
The 50-year-old pastor, who was detained two years ago, faces up to 35 years in prison if found guilty.
The next hearing of Brunson's trial is slated for Oct. 12.
(Editor:王苏)