Resolution seeks to help detainee Marc Fogel
A resolution of inquiry by U.S. reps. Mike Kelly, R-16th, and Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th, could help Butler native Marc Fogel receive designation as a “wrongfully detained” prisoner in Russia.
Fogel, a 61-year-old husband and father of two who lives in Oakmont, Allegheny County, has been detained since August 2021 when he was found in possession of less than an ounce of medical marijuana after he landed at an airport to return to a Anglo-American school in Moscow where he worked as a teacher. He was prescribed the medication in the United States, but marijuana is illegal in Russia.
His appeal of his sentence to serve 14 years in a penal colony was denied in August. He was then transferred from where he was being held in Moscow to the colony.
According to a news release from Kelly’s office, the resolution asks President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to give all documents relating to the Department of State’s review of Fogel’s criteria for “wrongful detainment” distinction to the House of Representatives. The resolution includes telephone records, audio recordings, documents and correspondence relating to the case.
“In addition to his grossly disproportionate 14-year sentence to a Russian maximum-security penal colony, Fogel’s case certainly meets several of the other established criteria to be considered ‘wrongfully detained,” Kelly said in the release. “With this resolution, it is my hope that the State Department will elevate his case, properly designate (Fogel) as wrongfully detained, and work to secure his timely release for his Western Pennsylvania family, and supporters across the globe.”
Fogel’s sister, Lisa Hyland, of O’Hara Township in Allegheny County, said she and her family have spoken with representatives about the affects of a resolution.
“The legislation in PA has stepped up. We’re appreciative of everything they’re doing,” she said.
In August, a letter signed by a coalition of state senators pushing for Fogel’s reclassification was sent to Blinken. The letter detailed six of the 11 established criteria of ‘wrongful detainment’ that Fogel meets.
Some of those criteria include Fogel’s U.S. citizenship and his detainment influencing U.S. policy, specifically requiring the concession of a prisoner swap.
Last month, former students, friends and supporters of Fogel held a rally outside of the White House in Washington, D.C., to urge the government to gain his release from prison in Russia.
Hyland said in a recent speech by Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia, were mentioned as priorities for the Biden Administration.
“All we can do is put more pressure on the state to include Marc on any negotiations,” she said. “This is the one way of doing that, to bring attention to his case. We need him to be top of mind.”
