On Friday, attorneys representing the family of Marc Fogel, a teacher presently held in Russia on drug accusations, announced that the US Department of State had identified Fogel as illegally detained. Fogel’s counsel said that the designation was made by the Department of State in October. Marc Fogel was arrested by Russian officials in August 2021 on drug trafficking charges. Fogel possessed medical marijuana, which he used to relieve chronic pain. This legal designation is promising for Fogel and his family. Wrongfully detained citizens are accorded heightened privileges by the US Government. The United States Government may continue to provide consular assistance to the families of wrongfully detained individuals. The wrongfully detained person’s status will be tracked and updated on a regular basis. Additional government measures include media coverage and international pressure.

organizations to garner support for a wrongfully detained person’s release

Despite a bipartisan resolution calling for Fogel’s release, the US government is limited in its ability to assist those who have been wrongfully detained. For instance, government officials cannot represent them in foreign courts or act as translators. Additionally, the government cannot cover medical or legal expenses.