WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate release of Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen and career educator from Pennsylvania, who has been imprisoned in Russia since August 2021. The resolution urges the Biden Administration to prioritize securing the release of Fogel and other Americans wrongfully detained by Russia.
Marc Fogel, a Butler County native and Allegheny County resident, was arrested for carrying less than an ounce of medical marijuana. The marijuana was legally prescribed to him in Pennsylvania to treat severe medical conditions. Despite this, Russian authorities sentenced him to 14 years at a labor camp, a punishment many see as harsh and unjust.
“Marc Fogel has devoted his life to educating students around the world, from Pittsburgh to Oman to Venezuela to Moscow,” said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), who introduced the resolution last July. “After nearly three years of captivity, Marc’s health is rapidly declining and his life is in danger. I urge President Biden and his administration to do everything possible to bring Marc home.”
The resolution, which passed unanimously, was co-sponsored by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Coons (D-DE).
“The passage of this resolution sends a very clear message: it’s time to bring Marc Fogel home,” said Senator Fetterman. He highlighted Fogel’s positive impact on countless students during his 35-year teaching career. Fetterman pointed out the successful efforts to bring Americans Brittney Griner and Trevor Reed home, urging similar action for Fogel.
Senator Tester also expressed his support, stating, “Marc Fogel’s imprisonment is unjust and unacceptable, and it has continued for far too long. I’m glad to see our bipartisan resolution demanding his release pass the Senate, and I will continue pushing the Administration to secure his return.”
Senator Tillis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the U.S. owes it to Fogel’s family to ensure his release and safe return. Senator Coons added that Fogel, like other Americans such as Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, has been wrongfully detained and used as a political tool by Moscow. “Marc is a human being with a family, not a political tool,” Coons said, expressing hope for Fogel’s swift return.
U.S. Senate Unites for Justice: Freeing Marc Fogel and Protecting American Citizens – A Bipartisan Stand
The resolution’s passage is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it addresses the urgent need to bring Marc Fogel home, highlighting his deteriorating health and the harsh conditions he faces. Furthermore, it demonstrates a unified stance from the U.S. Senate on the issue of wrongful detentions, signaling to Russia and other nations that the U.S. is committed to protecting its citizens abroad.
The implications of such detentions extend beyond individual cases. Wrongful imprisonments can strain diplomatic relations and become bargaining chips in geopolitical conflicts. By advocating for Fogel’s release, the Senate aims to uphold the principle that American citizens should not be used as pawns in international disputes.
In summary, the Senate’s unanimous passage of the resolution calling for Marc Fogel’s release highlights a bipartisan commitment to securing the freedom of Americans wrongfully detained abroad. As the Biden Administration takes up this cause, the hope is that Fogel will soon be reunited with his family, bringing an end to his unjust imprisonment and reinforcing the nation’s resolve to protect its citizens.
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