U.S. Man Marc Fogel Designated ‘Wrongfully Detained’ in Russian Prison
TL/DR –
Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania native serving a 14-year sentence in Russia for possessing medical marijuana, has been officially designated as “wrongfully detained” by the U.S. Department of State. This designation, made in October, means the U.S. government is required by law to work for Fogel’s release and can impose sanctions against Russia. Despite efforts by Fogel’s family and lawmakers, including attempts to include him in prisoner swaps, Fogel has yet to be released.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania native, has been officially labeled as \”wrongfully detained\” in Russia by the U.S. Department of State.
Who is Marc Fogel?
Butler County-born Marc Fogel was arrested in Russia for possessing 17 grams of medical marijuana to manage his chronic back pain. He is now serving a 14-year sentence.
Efforts to Free Marc Fogel
Since Fogel’s imprisonment, his family, and lawmakers have been advocating for his release. Thousands have petitioned the U.S. government for his return, and Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, alongside U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, have appealed to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to designate his imprisonment as wrongful.
Despite a prisoner swap agreement between the U.S. and Russia in December 2022 that included WNBA player Brittney Griner, Fogel was not part of the exchange.
What is Wrongful Detention?
A wrongful detention label, as explained by the U.S. Department of State, means the U.S. government will develop strategies to secure the detainee’s release.
Marc Fogel’s Future
After a wrongful detention designation, the U.S. government is obliged to fight for the person’s release, which may lead to sanctions against the detaining country.
Reaction from Lawmakers
Sen. Casey called the designation an “important step” towards bringing Marc home, while other lawmakers agreed and committed to continue working for his release.
Reporting contributed by KD Fabián and Caitlin Yilek.
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