Turkey-US relations are taking another hit. A new point of contention has arisen between the two NATO allies, this time over the case of a jailed US pastor. The US is threatening sanctions if the pastor, Andrew Brunson, is not released. Turkey says this is "unacceptable". CGTN's Michal Bardavid has the details.

MICHAL BARDAVID ISTANBUL "The jailing of US pastor Andrew Brunson has been an issue of conflict between the two NATO allies for quite some time now. Brunson was detained 21 months ago, but was moved to house arrest this week. Brunson is being charged with having connections to the Fethullah Gulen organization which Turkey believe is behind the failed coup of 2016. He could face up to 35 years in prison. Calls to release him have been made by the US government several times before, but all rejected by Ankara. On Thursday, Washington shifted gear to make aggressive threats if he is not released. US Vice President Mike Pence warned of "consequences" while US president stated Turkey could face sanctions.

There were immediate harsh reactions from Turkey. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized Turkey being a country that upholds the supremacy of law and called the threats unacceptable. The presidential spokesman took a more positive tone and called the US to adopt a more constructive position. Turkey has earlier signaled it would be open to swap Brunson for the Muslim cleric in the US, Fethullah Gulen in self – exile in the US. CGTN, Istanbul."