Marc Fogel, who been convicted in Russia for medical marijuana possession, was swapped for a Russian money launderer.
President Donald Trump’s Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, negotiated the release of Marc Fogel, a teacher from Pennsylvania who had been imprisoned in Russia for the past three and a half years due to possession of medically prescribed marijuana. In exchange, the U.S. released a Russian who had been accused of digital currency money laundering.
Mr. Fogel said, upon his arrival at the White House Tuesday evening, “I feel like the luckiest man on earth right now.“
He continued, addressing President Trump, “I’m in total awe, and my thanks is for you and your administration, and these amazing people that have brought me home, and I just will spend the rest of my life indebted to you and the country. I’m so excited.”
“I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all. And President Trump is a hero,” Mr. Fogel added. “These men that came from the diplomatic service are heroes. The senators and representatives that passed legislation in my honor to get me home are the heroes.”
President Trump said someone else would be released on Wednesday, but did not name the individual.
President Trump’s special envoy for hostages, Adam Boehler, stated, “When you look at hostages and people that are being withheld that shouldn’t be withheld – you’re talking about 100 plus. There are 6000 Americans in foreign jails. That doesn’t mean everybody is innocent.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and his ambassadors as they negotiate the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizens.
- For Americans who are being imprisoned unjustly around the world.
- For U.S. citizens to be aware of the differences in laws in foreign nations to avoid arrest.
Sources: Townhall, NY Post
