Erdogan says Turkish judiciary took decision to release U.S. pastor

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attends a millitary ceremony in Isparta, Turkey October 12, 2018. Kayhan Ozer/Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday after U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson was freed by a Turkish court that the judiciary had taken its decision independently.

"Dear Mr. President, as I always pointed out, the Turkish judiciary reached its decision independently," he wrote on his Twitter account. "I hope that the United States and Turkey will continue their cooperation as the allies that they are, and fight together against terrorist groups."

(Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)