UPDATE: According to the Wall Street Journal, Butler native, teacher Marc Fogel is not one of the people involved in the prisoner swap.
President Joe Biden released a statement essentially confirming Fogel is not part of the swap.
Paul Whelan, Even Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza are the names of those released, along with five Germans and seven Russians ‘who were political prisoners in their own country.”
Biden added, “And let me be clear: I will not stop working until every American wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world is reunited with their family."
Rep. Deluzio released a statement after it was revealed Fogel is not being released on Thursday:
“Today is a day of mixed emotions.
“I am happy for all the Russian-held hostages returned to the United States today, and that they will soon be reunited with their loved ones.
“At the same time, I am frustrated and saddened that detained Western Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel was not included in this prisoner swap.
“For now, it seems 63-year-old Marc Fogel—who has severe medical conditions—will remain in the harsh Russian prison where he is serving a fourteen-year sentence. He was detained almost three years ago for the possession of a small amount of doctor-prescribed medical marijuana.
“The sad reality that Marc Fogel is not headed back to Western Pennsylvania makes this a crushing day for his family, our community, and all who have been in the fight to try and bring him home.
“I have been working to bring Marc Fogel home since I came to Congress, along with our Senators and my House colleagues in the Pennsylvania delegation. And while today is disappointing, I will not give up.
“Americans expect their government to fight for them, and I will continue to do exactly that for as long as it takes.”
The family of Marc Fogel and local lawmakers are calling for his inclusion in a massive prison swap with Russia.
Senator Bob Casey released this statement:
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments
Fogel, the teacher originally from Butler currently serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian penal colony.
A prisoner transfer has been agreed to and according to reports, several people are on the list, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine Paul Whelan.
Fogel was arrested in 2021 for possession of medical marijuana. His family has since advocated for the federal government to designate him as wrongfully detained.
Congressmen Mike Kelly, Guy Reschenthaler and Chris Deluzio and U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman released the following statement, calling for Fogel to be included in the swap.
“As news of a potential prisoner exchange is being reported, we urge that any swap include Pennsylvania’s Marc Fogel, along with Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich,” said the lawmakers. “Marc is a Pennsylvania teacher with severe health issues who has been unjustly imprisoned in a Russian prison for three years, and as the congressional members who represent Marc and his family, we have been pushing to bring Marc home as quickly as possible. As negotiations are ongoing with the Russian Federation, we respectfully request that any potential prisoner swap include Marc Fogel.”
According to reports, up to 24 people will be included in the swap that includes prisoners being held in the United States, Russia, Germany and several other countries.
Up to eight Russians are reportedly part of those 24 names.