WASHINGTON, D.C. – An American teacher held hostage in Russia since 2021 was finally released and sent back to the United States, and was greeted by President Donald Trump at the White House.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement regarding Fogel’s release:
“Promises made, promises kept. President Trump promised the Fogel family he would bring Marc home, and today, Marc is on his way. After three and a half years of detention in Russia, Marc is finally free. Marc’s release is also a reminder that other American citizens are still detained in Russia. President Trump is committed to bringing all of them home.”
President Donald Trump greeted Marc Fogel at the White House after his negotiated release from a Russian prison on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. (See White House photo at top.)
On August 14, 2021, when returning to Russia to teach his 36th and last year before retiring, 61-year-old Marc Fogel was detained at Sheremetyevo Airport in Russia for carrying about half an ounce of medical marijuana in his luggage. On June 16, 2022, Marc Fogel was convicted of bringing marijuana into Russia and sentenced to 14 years at a maximum-security penal colony.
Noe, Fogel is free, again. He released the following statement following his release:
Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I am free at last! All of your support and love was my nourishment the last 3 years and 6 months and I will be forever grateful. I am humbled and overwhelmed by what has been done to secure my release by so many. I am delighted to report I have positively completed the medical phase of the transition protocol done by the State Department. Tomorrow we will begin another phase of this program which needs to be completed before moving into life as we know it. I cannot wait to rejoin our community but this will take a bit of time and I ask for some patience in replying to you all. I look forward to reaching out to all of you in due time. With gratitude, respect, and humility.
Marc F