Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued a statement today following the announcement of a prisoner swap deal between the United States and Russia, which secured the release of several Americans held in Russian prisons. Notably, Marc Fogel, an American detained since August 2021, was not included in this agreement.

“I’m relieved to see innocent Americans finally coming home after years of unjust imprisonment at the hands of the Kremlin, but while we celebrate the return of Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and the other prisoners, we must remember that Marc Fogel is still wrongfully detained. For three years now, Marc has been held in a Russian prison and endured unthinkable treatment. The United States must continue to do everything it can to bring Marc home and reunite him with his loved ones,” stated Daines.

In June, a resolution demanding Russia release Marc Fogel passed the U.S. Senate. Senator Daines introduced this bipartisan resolution in July 2023.

Additionally, in June 2023, Senator Daines sent a letter with former U.S. ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The letter urged the State Department to classify Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained and prioritize efforts for his release from Russia.

Last July, Senator Daines honored Marc Fogel’s 62nd birthday on the Senate floor.