Marc Fogel, an American teacher arrested in Russia for possessing marijuana, has been released from custody, according to U.S. officials. Fogel, 61, was detained in August 2021 when customs officials at an airport in Sheremetyevo found more than 17 grams of cannabis oil in his luggage, intended for personal medical use. His case caught the attention of U.S. officials and human rights advocates, highlighting the challenges faced by American citizens under Russian law. Fogel’s release was confirmed on February 11, 2025, amid rising tensions between the United States and Russia, and follows a series of negotiations among diplomats, possibly influenced by high-profile discussions surrounding other American detainees in Russia. ‘Marc is an excellent teacher and educator who has dedicated his life to teaching English abroad, and we are grateful for his release,’ said a close friend. With the current state of U.S.-Russia relations, Fogel’s situation was particularly precarious, leading to concerns for his safety while imprisoned. His release brings a semblance of relief, as he prepares to return home after an extensive journey through a foreign legal system that has seen many Americans face similar challenges. This event marks a significant development in U.S.-Russia relations, a topic at the forefront of political discussions as both nations navigate a complex landscape of diplomacy and security.
American Marc Fogel Released from Russian Custody After Years of Detention
