Senators Rally to Free Detained Teacher

In a concerted effort to secure the release of Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher serving a 14-year sentence in Russia for medical marijuana possession, U.S. Senator Bob Casey is rallying support from fellow congressional leaders. Fogel, a Butler County native, was notably excluded from a recent high-profile prisoner swap that included other American detainees. Senators Casey, Fetterman, Tester, Coons, and Rubio have urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to designate Fogel as "wrongfully detained," emphasizing the political motivations behind his continued imprisonment. The senators' letter highlights the need for the U.S. government to treat Fogel's case with the same urgency as other high-profile detentions. They argue that such a designation would not only underscore the political nature of his situation but also provide his family with essential resources, including a Family Engagement team to facilitate communication and support during this challenging time. Fogel's family expressed their disappointment over his exclusion from the recent swap, which successfully secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine Paul Whelan. His sister, Anne, recounted a recent phone call with Marc, revealing her concerns about his well-being in the Russian prison system. Despite ongoing efforts from the White House to negotiate Fogel's release, National Security Coordinator Admiral John Kirby stated that the Russian government has been uncooperative, complicating the U.S. administration's attempts to include Fogel in discussions for a new deal. Fogel has been detained since August 2021, and his family continues to advocate for his return home.