Fogel appeal denied by Moscow court
A Russian court denied Butler native Marc Fogel’s appeal for a change in sentencing earlier this week — leaving his 14-year sentence intact, according to his sister, Lisa Hyland.
Fogel, a 61-year-old husband and father of two who had lived in Oakmont, Allegheny County, was detained Aug. 14, 2021, after he was found in possession of less than an ounce of medical marijuana, which was acquired legally before traveling to Russia.
According to the office of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Fogel’s lawyers, the denial came from Moscow Regional Court and a full decision text will be available next week.
Hyland said last week the U.S. State Department initiated another approach to bring Fogel home. The department requested Fogel be released on humanitarian grounds. The case for a release would likely be based on Fogel’s health and age.
That process involved the family filling out paper work on Fogel’s behalf.
“I don’t know much about the humanitarian plea process. From what I know, the State Department makes the plea to the Russian Ministry of Foreign affairs,” Hyland said. “We don’t have any further information at this time.”
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