Like most people, we learned from news reports early Tuesday afternoon that Oakmont native Marc Fogel had been released from a Russian prison and was on his way home.
A short time later, Pennsylvania’s elected leaders in Washington cheered the report.
“I’m thrilled he’s finally on his way home,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Fox Chapel, whose district includes Oakmont. Deluzio reached out to journalists via Zoom an hour or so after the White House announcement. “I know this is a huge relief for his family.”
Deluzio’s congressional colleague Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, issued a statement that read, in part, “Marc’s homecoming is above all a testament to his family’s unwavering love and relentless advocacy. They never stopped fighting, never stopped raising their voices, and never let the world forget Marc’s name. It is also a reflection of the strength and perseverance of his entire community, who stood by his side and demanded his return.”
Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania posted on X, the platform once known as Twitter, “Marc Fogel’s return home is long overdue—and I know all of Pennsylvania, especially his family, will be welcoming him back with open arms.”
The state’s junior senator, Republican David McCormick, chimed in on the same platform that he was “thrilled that Marc Fogel is finally coming home after years of being wrongfully held in Russia.”
He added, “As I told Marc’s Mom, Mafa, when we spoke in August, we had to do everything possible to get Marc home, and it is a blessing that this day has finally come.”
U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said Fogel’s release had been negotiated as part of an exchange with Russia. He provided no details. Deluzio said he also had no details.
Fogel worked as a history teacher at a Moscow Anglo-American School. In August 2021, he was arrested at a Moscow airport after authorities discovered he was carrying 17 grams of medical marijuana that he used to treat severe back pain.
He was serving a 14-year sentence at a Russian hard-labor camp – a “tough detention,” especially for someone with chronic back issues, Deluzio said. “This has been a source of concern for years.”
Deluzio said he was “so happy for Marc and his family that this day is here” and added he was awaiting news of Fogel’s condition and his medical needs.
The PUP is the publication of the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
