National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently made a significant statement regarding Marc Fogel, an American citizen who has been sentenced to 14 years of hard labor in Russia. Sullivan characterized Fogel as 'wrongfully detained,' marking the first time a United States official has officially labeled his detention as such.
Fogel's case gained attention as he was not part of the prisoner exchange that led to the release of 24 detainees, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan. While the State Department has not publicly declared Fogel as wrongfully detained, they have been actively advocating for his release.
During a White House press briefing, Sullivan expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, 'Today was a very good day.' He emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to secure the release of individuals held hostage or wrongfully detained worldwide, including Fogel.
Fogel, who was working as a teacher in Moscow, was arrested in 2021 on drug charges after entering Russia with cannabis. In 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His family and legal representatives have maintained that the cannabis was for medical purposes, prescribed by a doctor to alleviate severe spinal pain.
Advocates for Fogel, including his family, have been urging the Biden administration to officially designate him as wrongfully detained. Such a designation would trigger formal diplomatic actions aimed at securing his release from Russia.
