Fogel was arrested in Russia in 2021 and was serving a 14-year prison sentence.
Marc Fogel, 63, had been sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison and was considered “wrongfully detained” by the United States. He was held for three and a half years for a minor medical cannabis infraction. He arrived at the White House on Tuesday evening and was received by President Trump.
“By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership,” said national security adviser Mike Waltz. Fogel is being transported back to the United States with the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, on a private plane that is expected to reach Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday night.
Fogel’s family fought for years for the White House to secure his release. His wrongful detainment came after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine Paul Whelan, and WNBA star Brittney Griner had been released with the help of U.S. involvement.
Fogel’s mother, Malphine, 95, said, “I worried if he’d ever get seen again.” She said that Trump told her if he won the election, “I’ll get him out.” Malphine Fogel said that Trump has been “instrumental” in the release of her son from Russian prison.
The Fogel family released a statement, saying, “We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that after more than three years of detention, our father, husband, and son, Marc Fogel, is finally coming home.”
Fogel had been teaching in Russia before being arrested in a Russian airport for carrying about 17 grams of medical cannabis. He had been prescribed the medical cannabis in the United States for back pain, but it is illegal in Russia.
Sasha Phillips, the Fogel family attorney, alleged the Russian government wanted a pawn in its ongoing diplomatic disagreement with the United States. She said, “They were looking for someone to detain, to hold hostage.”
Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania said, “Great news for Mark and his family. Our delegation and both parties across administrations worked hard to bring him home.”
Senator John Fetterman also reacted, saying, “Marc Fogel’s return home is long overdue – and I know all of Pennsylvania, especially his family, will be welcoming him back with open arms.”
Senator Dave McCormick said, “I could not be happier that Marc Fogel’s 95-year-old mother, Mafa, gets to hug her son in Pennsylvania tonight.”
