WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Friday about securing the release of Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen serving a 14-year sentence in Russia following a significant East-West prisoner swap.
Fogel, a 63-year-old teacher and former U.S. Embassy worker in Moscow, was convicted of drug smuggling after being found with 17 grams of marijuana in his luggage at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in August 2021, which he claimed was for medical use.
Despite his arrest, Fogel continued his work at the Anglo-American School in Moscow until its closure.
President Biden assured reporters that efforts to secure Fogel's release are ongoing, emphasizing that the U.S. government remains committed to the case.
The recent prisoner exchange involved 24 individuals, with 16 being sent from Russia to the West, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, and eight sent in the opposite direction.
Anne Fogel, Marc's sister, criticized the lack of attention given to her brother's case compared to others, such as basketball player Brittney Griner, who was recently released from Russian detention in a separate swap.
She highlighted the disparity in support, noting, "We don't have the NBA behind us, and we don't have The Wall Street Journal behind us, so it's been very difficult for us to get our man out."
Analysis:
The ongoing case of Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Russia, sheds light on the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by individuals caught in legal disputes abroad. The recent prisoner swap, while historic, has raised questions about the prioritization of certain cases over others. The disparity in support and resources available to different individuals underscores the importance of advocacy and diplomatic efforts in securing the release of those unjustly detained. As global citizens, it is essential to stay informed and engaged with such cases to ensure a fair and just outcome for all.
