CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement on the solemn two-year anniversary of Marc Fogel’s unjust detention in Russia. Mr. Fogel is a resident of Oakmont, PA and a constituent of Rep. Deluzio’s in Western Pennsylvania.
“My constituent Marc Fogel turned 62 recently, on July 28th. He’s a sports fanatic, especially a Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, and Pitt fan. He loves reading, World Cup Soccer, and Steely Dan.
“While he should be spending time with his loved ones in Western Pennsylvania celebrating, he is instead detained in a maximum-security forced labor camp in Russia.
“An international teacher for much of his life, and someone driven by service, Marc Fogel was detained in Moscow for possession of a small amount of medical marijuana, for which he had a medical prescription for chronic pain.
“That was on August 14th, two years ago today. And it’s been a long two years since.
“Those years have been extremely tough for Marc and his family, and they are concerned that harsh conditions he’s living in right now could threaten his health.
“It is long past time to bring Marc home.
“In Congress, I’ve introduced a bill and a resolution, and I am working with Democrats and Republicans alike to share Marc’s story and to push the State Department to prioritize securing Fogel’s release, along with others Russia has wrongfully detained.
“On this dark day that marks two years of his Russian detention, I hope we can turn a corner and make progress in bringing home this beloved teacher, husband, son, and brother.
“No matter what, I will keep fighting to bring attention to Mr. Fogel’s case and to build the public and political support to bring him home.”