American teacher Marc Fogel remains imprisoned in Russia on drug charges, despite the recent prisoner swap that freed Brittney Griner. Fogel's family and advocates believe he was wrongfully detained and are urging the US government to take action.
The recent prisoner swap with Russia brought welcome news for four high-profile Americans who returned home. However, the case of Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia since 2021, remains a troubling reminder of those who have been left behind.
Fogel, 63, taught at AAS Moscow, formerly known as the Anglo-American School of Moscow. In 2021, he was arrested for possessing less than an ounce of medical cannabis that he had been prescribed for chronic back pain. Despite suffering from deteriorating health, he was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony for drug smuggling and possession.
Marc Fogel: Another American Unjustly Detained in Russia
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., has drawn attention to Fogel's case, highlighting its similarity to the arrest of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was also detained in Russia for cannabis possession. While Griner was quickly declared wrongfully detained, Fogel's status remains unclear. National security adviser Jake Sullivan recently described Fogel as "wrongfully detained," marking the first time an American official has done so.
Fogel's case is particularly egregious as he dedicated his career to teaching American students in a challenging environment. It is deeply disappointing and frustrating that he has been left behind.
Marc Fogel: Another American Unjustly Detained in Russia
Unfortunately, Fogel's case is part of a broader Russian tactic to gain leverage over the United States. In exchange for the American and German prisoners involved in Thursday's swap, Russia welcomed the return of convicted cybercriminals and murderers. These criminals stole over $100 million from Americans.
In a similar exchange, the U.S. returned Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," for Griner's release. This pattern suggests that Russia will detain and unjustly convict Americans in the hope that the U.S. government will trade high-value individuals for their freedom.
Marc Fogel: Another American Unjustly Detained in Russia
Fogel's case is not an isolated incident. Other countries, such as China, have also been seizing Western citizens for political leverage. For example, Kai Li of Huntington, New York, was arrested in China in 2016 on "state security charges" and remains in a Chinese prison after being convicted of espionage.
The U.S. government must prioritize the safe return of Americans wrongfully detained overseas. Every administration has an obligation to protect the rights of its citizens, especially those facing unjust imprisonment abroad.
Marc Fogel: Another American Unjustly Detained in Russia
In Fogel's case, the State Department should formally declare him wrongfully detained by the Russian government. As he wrote to his wife, "Teachers are at least as important as bballers."
The fight to bring home all wrongfully detained Americans must continue. For some, like Fogel, time is running out.
Marc Fogel: Another American Unjustly Detained in Russia
