History of Marc Fogel in Timeline
Marc Hilliard Fogel, an American teacher, was arrested in Russia in August 2021 for possessing 0.6 ounces (17 grams) of medical marijuana. He was attempting to enter the country when apprehended. In June 2022, Fogel received a 14-year prison sentence. The severity of the sentence, especially given that the amount was small and for personal medical use, has raised concerns.
2012: Teaching in Russia
In 2012, Marc Fogel began teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow.
August 2021: Arrest in Russia
In August 2021, Marc Fogel was arrested by Russian authorities for possessing 0.6 ounces of medical marijuana upon entering the country.
August 2021: Medical Marijuana Found
In August 2021, approximately half an ounce of medical marijuana, prescribed to Fogel for chronic pain, was discovered in his luggage at Sheremetyevo Airport.
May 2022: US State Department Decision
In May 2022, the US State Department designated Brittney Griner as wrongfully detained, but did not extend the same designation to Marc Fogel.
June 2022: Sentencing
In June 2022, Marc Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug trafficking.
June 2022: Conviction and Sentencing
Marc Fogel was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in June 2022.
August 2022: Senators Lobby for Fogel
In August 2022, a bipartisan group of US senators lobbied for the State Department to classify Fogel as wrongfully detained.
October 2022: Transfer to Penal Colony
In October 2022, Fogel was transferred to a penal colony to serve his sentence.
2022: Petition for Fogel's Freedom
A petition was started on Change.org in 2022 calling for Marc Fogel's release and urging the Biden administration to recognize him as wrongfully detained.
2022: Family's Plea to Brittney Griner
In 2022, Fogel's family appealed to Brittney Griner to advocate for his case.
September 7, 2023: Petition Update
As of September 7, 2023, the Change.org petition for Fogel's freedom had almost reached its goal of 25,000 signatures.
August 1, 2024: Designated as Wrongfully Detained
On August 1, 2024, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan officially declared Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained.
2024: Exclusion from Prisoner Exchange
Marc Fogel was not included in the 2024 Russian prisoner exchange, despite ongoing discussions about his potential release, leading to disappointment from his family.
February 11, 2025: Release from Russia
On February 11, 2025, Marc Fogel was released by Russian authorities and left the country with Steve Witkoff after a deal was negotiated.
