Lawmakers urge Marc Fogel’s release in prisoner swap
Pennsylvania lawmakers are calling for Butler County native Marc Fogel to be included in a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, reportedly taking place Thursday, Aug. 1, Aug. 1.
A Thursday morning news release from U.S. Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and John Fetterman, D-Pa., and U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly R-16th, Chris Deluzio, D-17th, and Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th, called for the release of the teacher, who has been imprisoned since August, 2021.
“As news of a potential prisoner exchange is being reported, we urge that any swap include Pennsylvania’s Marc Fogel, along with Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich,” a statement from the lawmakers said. “Marc is a Pennsylvania teacher with severe health issues who has been unjustly imprisoned in a Russian prison for three years, and as the congressional members who represent Marc and his family, we have been pushing to bring Marc home as quickly as possible.
“As negotiations are ongoing with the Russian Federation, we respectfully request that any potential prisoner swap include Marc Fogel.”
Fogel, 63, of Oakmont, is currently serving a 14-year sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat a back injury.
Marc Fogel’s mother, Malphine Fogel, did not know there would be a prisoner exchange, but said Thursday morning that she was watching sources for updates on the swap, and may speak with officials later Thursday, Aug. 1 about the case for her son.
In a December 2023 letter, members of the Pennsylvania delegation made a similar call to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying that any potential prisoner swap must include Fogel, along with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. Reports say that Whelan and Gershkovich are included in today’s prisoner exchange.
