U.S. GOVERNMENT DECLARES MARC FOGEL A WRONGFULLY DETAINED PERSON

Over three years after he was arrested in Russia for illegal possession of marijuana, the U.S. Government has declared Marc Fogel a “Wrongfully Detained” person.  The Trib reports that the IUP alum and Oakmont Teacher was arrested in August of 2021 for carrying legally prescribed marijuana into Russia as he was about to start his tenth year teaching at the Anglo-American School in Moscow.  Following a trial, was convicted of possessing less than an ounce of medical marijuana. He was sentenced to serve 14 years in a Russian maximum security penal colony.  The designation brings with it significant resources for the family, including medical care, mental health services and financial support.  The designation came in mid-October.