The sister of an American teacher who was wrongly held in Russia for more than three years has praised Donald Trump because he “liberated his word” and freed her brother.
Anne Fogel, the sister of former prisoner Marc Fogel, said CNN that her family was 'jubilant' after he was liberated on Tuesday, where he was met by Trump in the White House.
“I am really, very excited and happy,” she said.
'Especially for my mother, she will be 96 in a few weeks and she didn't think she would make it to this day. So we are really jubilant and we celebrate. '
Anne revealed that her mother, who comes from Butler, comes Pennsylvania, Trump met shortly before he was shot in her city in July and said, “He told her when he was chosen, he would get him out.”
“And the man was faithful to his word.”
Fogel was wrong for 3.5 years in Russia for drug trafficking, because the authorities found cannabis in his luggage during his arrival in 2021 at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.
Although he used the medicine to treat a paralyzing spine condition, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison the following year, in what was described as 'essentially a hostage situation'.
Anne Fogel, the sister of formerly detailed prisoner Marc Fogel, praised President Trump for “keeping his word” and liberated her brother this week
Marc Fogel had been imprisoned in Russia for more than three years on accusation of drugs and was met by President Trump in the White House after his return to the US this week
CNN's in Burnett asked Anne about how prepared she was for the news that her brother would be liberated, and said that the transfer seemed to come “out of nothing.”
Anne replied: “Well, things started to reverse last fall when he was designated as wrong, and we knew that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was more interested.”
She said her mother was told that Trump would work to guarantee his release if he was re -elected shortly before.
Anne said that after the return of Trump to the White House, she knew that 'something happened' with her brother last week.
She said she heard that Marc had moved from prison where he was held, and he “got new clothes, had a shower, they trimmed her together and shaved him.”
“So we knew something happened, but these things can go sideways,” she said.
'And we went to the edge of our chair all week, and this morning Marc called my mother and sister -in -law to let us know that he was on the plane.
“To hear that he was out of Russian airspace, it was just the best, the best.”
Anne said her mother Malphine, 96, (photo) was worried if she would come 'to this day' today
Marc saw celebrating his freedom on board an American plane after his release
Marc's sister said her family is 'really jubilant' after he has seen his freedom secure
Trump organized Fogel in the White House hours after the teacher was released from the Russian detention on Tuesday evening.
“I'm so excited,” Fogel told Trump that he was back in the US after arriving in a snowy white house with an American flag draped around his neck.
As he shook the hand of the president, Trump rubbed Fogel's arm and gave him a warm hug.
Both men smiled and celebrated the teacher's release before she entered the warmth of the diplomatic reception room of the White House.
“At the moment I feel the happiest man on earth,” Fogel said inside as he fought the tears while holding a festive beer from his native Pennsylvania. “President Trump is a hero.”
He described his horrible detention in Russia, where he claimed to have spent more than 100 days in medical departments and received more than 400 injections during his 3.5 years in prison there.
Marc Fogel (center), destroyed in an American flag, returns to American soil for the first time since 2021. National security adviser Mike Waltz (L) and the envoy of the United States for hostages Adam Boehler (R) can be seen that he applaud his arrival
Marc Fogel was an American private school teacher from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before he was imprisoned in Russia after being caught in 2021 with a medical marijuana recipe
“For me you look damn good, I'll tell you,” Trump assured the 63-year-old teacher. “You are in good condition.”
“We appreciate President Putin, what he did,” said the president. “He was able to pull it for you,” he told Fogel and added: “It was an honest deal.”
“I also have to mention that President Putin was very generous and statesful to give me a grace,” Fogel shared.
In addition to thanking the Russian president, Fogel celebrated the efforts of Steve Witkoff to take him home. Witkoff, the special envoy from Trump to the center -East, was a crucial figure in securing the freedom of the teacher.
“I will be due to President Trump forever and to Steve there – what a dynamic man he is,” Fogel said.
Fogel-Ear shone Fogel, greeted by many top politicians, including State Secretary Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz on his arrival in snow-loaded White House.
Top members of the congress, including speaker Mike Johnson, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Brian Mast and others were also present.
