Another Shameful Anniversary

Cuban officials continue to reject calls by the United States and international community to release a U.S. citizen unfairly imprisoned in Havana. December 3 marked three years since Alan Gross was jailed on state security charges. His continued detention is unjustified.

Another Shameful Anniversary

Sixty-three years old and suffering from severe degenerative arthritis that affects his ability to move freely, Mr. Gross is a dedicated development professional who has a long history of providing assistance and support to underserved communities in more than 50 countries.

He was a subcontractor working on a project in Cuba helping facilitate communications between the island nation’s Jewish community and the rest of the world. For these humanitarian activities, he was arrested on December 3, 2009, convicted by a Cuban court for acts against the security or territorial integrity of the state and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Since his imprisonment Mr. Gross has lost more than 100 pounds and his family is anxious to evaluate whether he is receiving appropriate medical care. They are also eager that he be permitted to travel to the U.S. to visit his 90-year old mother who is gravely ill.

The United States has used and will continue to use every appropriate diplomatic channel to urge the Cuban government to release Mr. Gross so he may return to his family, where he belongs.