Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly, Guy Reschenthaler, and Christopher Deluzio recently published a joint op-ed on FoxNews.com advocating for Marc Fogel, a Pittsburgh-area teacher who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2021.

In the op-ed, the Representatives expressed their disappointment in President Biden's State of the Union Address for not mentioning Fogel, stating, "Sadly, Fogel’s omission from the address is yet another missed opportunity for the Biden administration to give the Pittsburgh-area resident – a man we collectively represent – a similar spotlight so many other wrongfully detained Americans have rightfully received."

The Representatives highlighted the disparity in treatment between Fogel and other wrongfully detained individuals, such as Brittney Griner, stating, "We are thankful Brittney Griner is home with her family and believe Marc should be entitled to the same attention from the State Department."

They called on the State Department to designate Fogel as "wrongfully detained," emphasizing the importance of this designation in securing his freedom. They also urged the State Department to consider the impact of Fogel's imprisonment on his family, stating, "The lack of acknowledgment and designation of Marc by the department has not only impacted him, but also his mother, wife, two sons, and his entire family."

In conclusion, the Representatives emphasized the need for action, stating, "Marc Fogel deserves to be home. So do Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and all other Americans who are wrongfully detained in Russia. They must not be forgotten."