Marc Fogel: The American Teacher Who Spent Years in a Russian Prison

Marc Fogel

Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American educator from Pennsylvania, spent years teaching history at international schools worldwide. His last job was at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, where he dedicated himself to educating young minds. But in August 2021, his life took an unexpected and devastating turn when he was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport.

A Simple Mistake That Changed Everything

Fogel was carrying about 17 grams of medical marijuana, prescribed by his doctor in the U.S. for chronic back pain. Unaware of Russia’s strict drug laws, he had packed it in his luggage, assuming his prescription would protect him. Instead, Russian authorities charged him with large-scale drug smuggling, a serious offense that carries harsh penalties.

Trump meet Marc Fogel

A Harsh Punishment

In June 2022, a Russian court sentenced him to 14 years in a maximum-security penal colony—a punishment many considered shockingly severe. His family, friends, and supporters argued that the sentence was disproportionate, especially considering that Fogel was a respected educator, not a criminal.

A Family’s Fight for Justice

Back home, Fogel’s family, including his wife Jane and their sons Ethan and Sam, never gave up hope. They worked tirelessly to raise awareness about his case, fearing for his health and well-being in the harsh Russian prison system. They urged the U.S. government to step in, arguing that he had been unfairly caught in the middle of tense U.S.-Russia relations.

Trump meets with American teacher Marc Fogel after he was freed from a Russian prison

The Turning Point

For years, the U.S. government was hesitant to officially designate Fogel as "wrongfully detained." But in December 2024, after continuous pressure from his supporters, the State Department finally gave him that status—a crucial step that meant the U.S. would actively work for his release.

Freedom at Last

On February 11, 2025, after months of diplomatic negotiations, Marc Fogel was finally released and returned to the United States. His release was part of a broader diplomatic effort, and he was welcomed home with relief and joy.

For Fogel and his family, the nightmare was finally over. But his story is a reminder of how quickly life can change and how, in international politics, even ordinary people can become pawns in larger conflicts. Now back home, he can finally start rebuilding his life after more than three years behind bars.