Marc Fogel has been released after spending three and a half years in Russian detention, a situation that has drawn significant attention since his imprisonment. Fogel, a teacher from Oakmont, Pennsylvania, was serving a 14-year sentence after being found with 17 grams of medical marijuana at a Moscow airport for managing chronic back pain.
The moment Fogel boarded a plane bound for the U.S. was met with overwhelming emotion from his family, who received confirmation shortly before 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Following his arrival in Washington, D.C., his family expressed joy and relief, marking a long-awaited day since his arrest in August 2021.
Fogel’s sister, Anne, described the experience as “extraordinary.” She, along with their mother, Malphine, and other family members, had tirelessly advocated for his release during his detainment. Fogel’s wrongful detention was acknowledged at the end of President Biden’s administration, which was a pivotal step toward his eventual return.
The White House confirmed that an exchange facilitated by special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, was made, although specific details remain undisclosed. Local lawmakers have also been instrumental in pushing for Fogel’s return.
As they prepared to reunite, Anne shared her anxieties while her brother was imprisoned, fearing the worst. “I’m looking forward to seeing him, knowing he’s safe. Knowing his family is together. We’re just grateful,” she said, reflecting the family’s relief. Meanwhile, Fogel’s mother had been living with the fear of never seeing her son again, making this reunion even more heartfelt.
As Fogel arrives back in the U.S., he will need to undergo physical and psychological evaluations. While there is no timeline provided for his return to Pittsburgh, the family is united in their gratitude and hope for a brighter future together.
This situation highlights the emotional struggles faced by families of those wrongfully imprisoned abroad, and it illustrates the importance of advocacy and support from lawmakers and the government. Fogel’s release may serve as a beacon of hope for others in similar predicaments.