Marc Fogel is an American citizen, former teacher, and diplomat who gained international attention after being imprisoned in Russia. He was arrested in August 2021 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for possession of medical marijuana, which he reportedly used for chronic pain treatment. Russian authorities sentenced him to 14 years in prison on drug-related charges. His case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile detentions of Americans in Russia, including Brittney Griner.
Marc Fogel Biography & Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc Fogel |
| Date of Birth | 1960s (Exact date unknown) |
| Marc Fogel Age | Approximately 63–65 years old (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Teacher, Former Diplomat |
| Known For | Imprisoned in Russia for drug charges |
| Sentence | 14 years in a Russian prison |
| Marc Fogel Arrest Date | August 2021 |
| Prison Location | Russia |
Who is Marc Fogel?
Marc Fogel is an American schoolteacher who was arrested in Russia in August 2021 for attempting to enter the country with medical marijuana. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in June 2022.
Marc Fogel’s Wife & Family
Marc Fogel is married to Jane Fogel, who has been actively advocating for his release. The couple has children, but their identities have not been widely publicized. His family, along with U.S. officials, continues to push for his repatriation, arguing that his case is unjust and that he should be treated similarly to other detained Americans who have been released in prisoner swaps.
Why Was Marc Fogel Arrested in Russia?
Fogel was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after authorities found medical marijuana in his luggage. He claimed the marijuana was for personal use to manage chronic pain caused by spinal issues. Despite his medical reasons, Russian authorities charged him with drug smuggling, a serious offense under Russian law.
Current Status & Efforts for Release
- Sentencing: In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison under strict penal conditions.
- Advocacy for Release: His family, human rights groups, and some U.S. officials are pushing for his release, arguing that his sentence is excessively harsh.
- Comparison to Brittney Griner: Many have questioned why Fogel’s case has received less attention than WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was also detained in Russia for similar charges but was released in a prisoner exchange.
Marc Fogel Wife
Marc Fogel is married to Jane Fogel. She has been actively advocating for his release since his imprisonment in Russia. Jane Fogel has spoken out about the harsh conditions her husband faces and has urged the U.S. government to take action for his release.
Conclusion
Marc Fogel remains in a Russian prison, serving a lengthy sentence for possessing medical marijuana. His wife, Jane Fogel, and family continue to seek his release, calling on the U.S. government for intervention. His case highlights broader diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia and concerns over the treatment of detained Americans abroad.
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