Supporters start Christmas card campaign for Oakmont man imprisoned in Russia

Friends and family of an Oakmont native imprisoned in Russia on marijuana charges hope the holiday spirit can boost attention to his case and get the State Department to help bring him home.

Marc Fogel has been detained in Russia for more than two years after he was arrested at the Moscow airport for having 17 grams of medical marijuana used to treat chronic pain.

The Biden administration made new offers aimed at securing the release of other American detainees held in Russia but has not mentioned any progress or offers for Fogel. This week, the administration made significant offers in an attempt to free Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, but Russia rejected them, according to the Associated Press.

Fogel’s family and friends started a campaign to send Christmas cards to Fogel in hopes of lifting his spirits, and to renew the State Department’s interest in his case.

“I don’t know how many people it takes, but I just know we haven’t yet made enough noise,” said Lisa Hyland, Fogel’s sister. “I don’t know anything else we can do right now other than pray.”

A State Department spokesperson said it is continuing to call on the Russian government to release Fogel on humanitarian grounds but would not comment on why Fogel hasn’t been designated as wrongfully detained like others held in Russia.

Pittsburgh-area legislators have called on the Biden administration to designate Fogel as wrongfully detained and have introduced resolutions in Congress calling for his release.

Hyland said hundreds of people have sent letters to the State Department in support of Fogel but added that it might take thousands or tens of thousands to move the needle.

“We need more than just his family and friends. We need all of Western Pennsylvania,” she said. “He is a Western Pennsylvania guy, and I hope that people stand up for him and (are) heard.”

Fogel grew up in Butler County and taught at local schools, including Winchester Thurston in Shadyside. He also taught internationally for decades and was set to start his 10th and final year teaching at the Anglo American School in Moscow when he was detained in August 2022.

The marijuana in his possession was prescribed to treat chronic pain from a debilitating spinal condition, but the Russian government did not accept Fogel’s medical explanation. They charged him with drug smuggling and drug possession.

Hyland said she speaks to Fogel about once a week and said his mental and physical health have taken a hit during his incarceration in a labor colony about 7 hours from Moscow.

She is urging anyone and everyone to write a Christmas card to Fogel. She said it likely won’t get to him until after the holidays, but the letters will let Fogel know that Pittsburgh is thinking about him. She also urged people to write to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“When the holidays come, it is always particularly hard to have someone you know who can’t be around their loved ones,” said Hyland. “These cards will let him know that he is not forgotten. We are not going to forget about Marc.”

People interested in sending cards to Fogel should avoid putting his name on the outside of the envelope and should know that all mail will be opened. They are also asked to avoid sending any message that could be seen as questionable, for example escape plans, war news or anything about illegal activity.

Mail should be addressed to: American Citizen Services/MHF, Consular Services, 5430 Moscow Place, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5430.