Marc Fogel, a history teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, was arrested upon his return to Russia in August 2021 and accused of smuggling drugs, specifically less than an ounce of cannabis intended for treating chronic back pain. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in a high-security prison, a sentence considered disproportionately harsh compared to those given to convicted murderers in Russia.
After three and a half years in custody, Mr. Fogel, now 63, was released on Tuesday following lobbying efforts by the U.S. government. He and his wife, Jane, had previously lived in several countries, including Colombia, Malaysia, and Venezuela, but his arrest became part of the geopolitical tensions between Moscow and Washington, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Prior to his arrest, Mr. Fogel had diplomatic immunity, which was revoked by Russia amid rising tensions with the United States. In 2022, the Russian government forced the Anglo-American School to close and confiscated its property. Eric Rubin, a former American diplomat, described Mr. Fogel's situation as “essentially a hostage-taking,” suggesting that Russian authorities anticipated his arrival with cannabis vape canisters.
Despite having a doctor’s prescription for medical marijuana and intentions to declare it at customs, Russian authorities did not recognize medical use of marijuana. Mr. Fogel was tried in the same court as basketball player Brittney Griner, who received a nine-year sentence for a similar offense and was released in December 2022 in a prisoner swap.
Following his conviction, Mr. Fogel was sent to a remote labor camp where he reportedly received inadequate medical care, leading to significant health deterioration. His family expressed concern over his well-being and criticized the Biden administration for not prioritizing his case as much as others, feeling abandoned by their own government.
In December, the U.S. State Department declared Mr. Fogel as wrongfully detained, a decision his family deemed overdue. They emphasized the need for government support to secure his safe return. During a Senate confirmation hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that improving U.S.-Russia relations would be impossible without Mr. Fogel's release, highlighting the significance of his case in diplomatic discussions.