Alan Gross,61, was arrested in Cuba in 2009 while working as a contractor for the US government. Gross’ work in Cuba was part of a U.S. Agency for International Development democracy. He was involved in the distribution of satellite phones and computer equipment to Jewish people so they could communicate with Jews in other countries.
On Friday, Cuban prosecutors said they would charge Gross with “acts against the integrity and independence” of their country, and seek a 20-year sentence.
Secretary Clinton has said, Alan Gross has been harshly and unfairly jailed for too long.
“We deplore the Cuban government’s announcement that Cuban prosecutors intend to seek a 20 year sentence against Mr. Gross. As we have said many times before Mr. Gross is a dedicated international development worker who was in Cuba providing support to members of the Cuban Jewish community. He has been held without charges for more than a year, contrary to all international human rights obligations and commitments regarding justice and due process. He should be home with his family now.”
