Marc Fogel, a 65-year-old American educator, languishes in a Russian detention center, overlooked during a significant prisoner exchange.
His ongoing imprisonment has sparked an outcry from his family and supporters, New York Post reported.
In 2021, different circumstances would see Marc Fogel detained at Moscow airport with roughly half an ounce of medical marijuana intended for his back pain treatment. Three years have passed since the incident, but Fogel’s situation seems bleak compared to others involved in similar misdemeanors.
The recent negotiation led by the U.S. and Germany brought home Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Paul Whelan, marking a historic moment. However, Marc Fogel's exclusion has left his mother, Malphine Fogel, profoundly disheartened.
In addition, the 95-year-old accused the Biden administration of neglecting her son because he’s perceived as a "common American citizen."
Many people echo this sentiment, drawing parallels between Fogel’s case and that of WNBA star Brittney Griner. Griner was released from Russian detainment in 2022 after being held for a similar offense. Unlike Griner and the recently freed individuals, the U.S. State Department has not declared Marc Fogel "wrongfully detained."
Following the successful prisoner swap, Malphine Fogel reached out to U.S. Senator Bob Casey. She urged for more decisive actions to secure her son’s release, but so far, direct communication with American officials remains elusive.
Pennsylvania’s representatives and senators have voiced their support for Fogel’s inclusion in any diplomatic negotiations. On the broader stage, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has reassured the public of ongoing efforts to secure Marc’s freedom.
Here is what Malphine Fogel had to say on the matter:
I heard about it with pain on the news. I don’t think the administration is trying hard enough for him. I guess because he is a common American citizen. I am happy for the people released and their families, but I can’t fathom why Marc wasn’t included. She also expressed a poignant fear: won't get to see my son one last time.
In response to the public outcry and familial concern, Jake Sullivan addressed the issue recently. “We’re going to build on it, drawing inspiration and continued courage from it for all of those who were held hostage or wrongfully detained around the world. And that includes Marc Fogel, who we are actively working to get his release from Russia as well,” Sullivan declared.
Commemorating the release of other detainees, Senator Bob Casey stated, “As we celebrate the good news of today, we cannot forget about Marc and the Fogel family.” This sentiment underscores a complex geopolitical landscape where some individuals seem to slip through the diplomatic cracks.
As the international community watches and waits, the case of Marc Fogel stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and often harsh realities faced by Americans abroad. Hindered by differing legal systems and diplomatic tensions, the plight of individuals like Marc Fogel requires sustained attention and swift governmental action.
In conclusion, while the recent prisoner swap has been a source of relief and joy for many, it also highlights ongoing disparities in diplomatic negotiations. The distress of Malphine Fogel and Marc's supporters underscores an urgent need for consistent and equitable advocacy from U.S. officials on behalf of all detained Americans, regardless of their notoriety or the nature of their cases.
