An American schoolteacher, Marc Fogel, who was arrested in Russia on drug charges over three years ago, has been officially designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government, as confirmed by the State Department on Friday.
Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was apprehended in August 2021 at a Russian airport for possessing what his family and supporters claim was medically prescribed marijuana. Despite efforts to include him in a prisoner swap last August, Fogel remained in custody, serving a 14-year prison sentence.
The decision to designate Fogel as wrongfully detained was based on various factors considered by the State Department, including credible information suggesting his innocence and whether his detention was aimed at influencing U.S. policy or securing concessions from the U.S. government.
Following the designation, Fogel's case will now be overseen by the office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, a State Department entity dedicated to negotiating for the release of hostages and Americans wrongfully detained abroad.
In response to the news, Fogel's wife and sons expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment by the State Department, emphasizing their long-held belief in his wrongful detention. They urged swift and safe efforts to bring Fogel back home with the backing of the U.S. government.
The State Department reiterated its commitment to securing Fogel's release, highlighting previous attempts to advocate for his humanitarian release and inclusion in the August 1 prisoner exchange, which were unsuccessful. The department's statement emphasized the determination that Fogel is indeed wrongfully detained, paving the way for intensified efforts to bring him back to the United States.
