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Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish parliament representing the opposition People's Democratic Party (HDP), continues to voice his support for detained US pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been accused by Turkish authorities of supporting terrorist groups. 

In a post on Twitter, the lawmaker warned that Turkey’s move to keep the American cleric hostage can seriously affect the country, Ermenihaber reports.

“Turkey’s persistence to hold pastor Andrew Brunson captive through senseless accusations will inflict a serious blow to our country. It will lead to US-imposed sanctions on us,” Paylan wrote.

Earlier, the Armenian lawmaker also tweeted support for the pastor, accusing the Turkish authorities of using him in their ‘dirty deals’.

To note, several senior US officials have threatened sanctions against Turkey if the country fails to release Brunson.

According to some reports, Turkey seeks the extradition of cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara believes was the mastermind of the 2016 failed coup attempt, in exchange for the pastor's release.