American Teacher Marc Fogel's Ordeal in Russian Prison

Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American history teacher, was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison for drug trafficking after customs officials found medical marijuana in his luggage. His family is petitioning the U.S. government to designate him as 'wrongfully detained' to secure his release, as he remains excluded from recent prisoner swaps.

Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American history teacher, finds himself serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian prison for drug trafficking, following the discovery of medical marijuana in his luggage by customs officials at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in August 2021.

Despite being a beloved educator with a career spanning continents, Fogel's family has been tirelessly campaigning for his release, arguing that he was wrongfully detained and in dire need of medical care. However, their efforts have yet to yield results, and he was notably excluded from a recent prisoner swap that freed other Americans.

His family and supporters, feeling abandoned by the U.S. government, continue to push for his designation as 'wrongfully detained' to open more diplomatic channels for his release. For now, Fogel's spirits remain lifted by communications from home and letters from former students.

(With inputs from agencies.)