WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is spearheading a bipartisan and bicameral push to secure the release of Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel, who has been imprisoned in Russia since August 2021. Fogel, a Butler County native and Allegheny County resident, was detained for carrying less than an ounce of medical marijuana, legally prescribed to him for severe medical conditions.
In a coordinated effort, Senator Casey and a group of Members of Congress wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the Administration to designate Fogel as “wrongfully detained.” This designation would underscore the political nature of his detention and provide additional resources to support his family.
“We write to you with the gravest of concerns regarding the continued detention of Mr. Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen, native of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and international educator, and ask that you do everything in your power to bring Marc home,” the Members stated in their letter. They emphasized that this designation would align Fogel’s case with those of other wrongfully detained Americans, such as Brittney Griner.
Senator Casey, along with Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Marco Rubio (R-FL), as well as several U.S. Representatives, has been actively advocating for Fogel’s release. Despite their efforts, Fogel was not included in a recent multi-country prisoner swap that freed detainees including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan.
Fogel’s health has deteriorated significantly during his imprisonment. He suffers from chronic pain and has undergone numerous surgeries, including back and hip operations. Without access to his prescribed medical marijuana, his condition has worsened. He has spent 101 days in hospitals since his detention, received over 300 injections, and taken more than 1,000 pills, often without knowing their purpose. His mental health has also declined, with Fogel describing himself as being “in a bottomless pit.”
The letter stresses the need for immediate medical and consular support for Fogel. “We urge you to resubmit a request every month to visit Marc and to use your influence to help ensure Russian officials approve those requests. We also urge you to arrange to bring a doctor on those visits to evaluate Marc’s condition and to provide the prison’s medical staff with any specialized medications Marc may require,” the Members wrote.
The bipartisan group continues to press for Fogel’s release, emphasizing the urgency due to his declining health. Their ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that U.S. citizens detained abroad receive the necessary support and attention to secure their freedom and well-being.
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