ISTANBUL, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Third Penal Court in Izmir on Friday rejected an appeal for the release of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson from house arrest during his trial, local media reported.

Brunson's lawyer Ismail Cem Halavurt on Tuesday filed an appeal for the second time to the Second Penal Court in Izmir to lift his client's house arrest and travel ban.

The court rejected Halavurt's petition and sent it to the Third Penal Court on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old pastor, who has been living in Turkey for more than two decades, was detained two years ago and faces up to 35 years in prison if found guilty.

The pastor was accused of espionage and having links to a network led by the U.S.-based outlawed cleric Fethullah Gulen and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Gulen is accused by Ankara of being behind a failed coup in July 2016.

Brunson's next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 12.