Marc Fogel

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution, Tuesday, June 13 calling for the release of numerous Americans imprisoned in Russia, including Butler native Marc Fogel.

Malphine Fogel, his mother, said Wednesday that she is happy to hear about the passing of the resolution, and that more work is being done to plan a rally for Marc in Washington, D.C., in July.

The resolution also requests the releases of Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, and Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who has been detained since 2018.

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, said he previously met with Fogel’s family.

“I made a promise to them: We will always continue to advocate for Marc’s safe and quick return to the United States,” Kelly said. “Now, we are taking our work directly to the House floor and making it clear the entire House of Representatives supports Mr. Fogel.”

The imprisonment of several of our own citizens is something none of us takes lightly, especially when they have ties to our community.

Our sympathies have been with the family of Marc Fogel since he was incarcerated, and we’re happy to see more steps being taken to raise awareness and, perhaps, secure his release.

In February, Kelly and other members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken asking for Fogel to be classified as “wrongfully detained.” According to Kelly’s office, Fogel meets six of 11 established criteria for the designation.

We support Kelly and everyone involved for their efforts to bring the names of those imprisoned to the forefront of government.

Our hearts and prayers continue to be with Fogel, Whelan, and Gershkovich until their releases are secured.

— CM