After serving more than three years in a Russian penal colony, Marc Fogel is on his way home.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, negotiated a deal with the Kremlin early Tuesday afternoon to release the IUP alumnus. Fogel was detained in 2021 and sentenced to serve 14 years in a Russian penal colony after authorities at a Moscow airport found roughly half an ounce of legally-prescribed medicinal marijuana in his luggage.
IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll released an emotional message following the announcement:
In an interview with FOX News, Marc’s mother Malphine thanked everyone who helped bring her son home, including President Trump.
State and federal leaders, including Marco Rubio, John Fetterman, and Dave McCormick, pleaded for Fogel’s release, and Rubio’s predecessor Anthony Blinken declared Fogel was a “wrongfully detained” person. While awaiting his release, Fogel’s family was provided with significant resources, including medical care, mental health services, and financial support.
