Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3 1/2 years, is released

An American school teacher held by Russia for 3 1/2 years will be released and allowed to come home, the White House said on Tuesday.

Marc Fogel had been sentenced to 14 years in prison by Russia and was considered “wrongfully detained” by the United States.

“By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership,” national security adviser Mike Waltz said Tuesday in a statement.

Tuesday’s announcement brings an end to years of frustration voiced by Fogel’s family, which has been calling for the White House to secure their loved one’s release.

Fogel had remained in Russian custody as U.S. authorities won freedom for other high profile American detainees, such as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan  and WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Fogel had been teaching in Russia before he was picked up by authorities, prosecuted and sentenced to 14 years for having a small amount of medical cannabis.

He’d been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States, but the substance was illegal in Russia.