Sister of Marc Fogel, American held in Russia, questions why Biden admin is 'dragging its feet'

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Pennsylvania native Marc Fogel, who was arrested in Russia with medical marijuana last year and sentenced to 14 years in prison, had his appeal rejected by a Russian court on Friday, his attorney and sister told Fox News Digital. 

Fogel's family is now pushing for the State Department to classify him as "wrongfully detained," a designation that would commit more U.S. resources to securing his release and bring his case under the purview of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. 

"We need to have him declared 'wrongfully detained' ASAP," Fogel's sister, Lisa Hyland, told Fox News. "We don’t understand why the Administration is dragging its feet in designating Marc as 'wrongfully detained.'"

Marc Fogel, right, with his family.  (Photos courtesy of Ellen Keelan and Lisa Hyland)

Marc Fogel in this undated photo provided by his family.  (Photos courtesy of Ellen Keelan and Lisa Hyland)

Marc Fogel and his wife, Jane.  (Photos courtesy Ellen Keelan and Lisa Hyland)

About one month ago, the State Department filed for humanitarian release for Fogel, who is 60 years old and has multiple debilitating health conditions. 

Sasha Phillips, an attorney who is assisting Fogel’s family with his case, said that filing for humanitarian release doesn't go far enough. 

"This request leaves all decision-making to the discretion of the Russian government – and, once again, we do not expect any substantial results," Phillips told Fox News. 

"We don’t know what is holding up the 'wrongfully detained' designation and keep working towards getting Marc designated so the U.S. Government can commit all necessary resources to bringing him home." 

RUSSIAN OFFICIALS RESPOND