As Alan Gross begins his fourth year of unjust imprisonment in Cuba, the United States of America today renewed its call for the Cuban authorities for the unconditional release of the American international development expert who was
arrested on December 3, 2009.
In his remarks in Washington DC, Deputy Spokesperson Mark C. Toner says the US continues to ask the Cuban Government to grant Alan Gross’s request to travel to the United States to visit his 90-year-old mother, Evelyn Gross, who is gravely ill.
“This is a humanitarian issue. The Cuban government should release Alan Gross and return him to his family, where he belongs.” – Mr. Toner
Mr. Gross was reportedly given a 15-year prison sentence by Cuban authorities for simply facilitating communications between Cuba’s Jewish community and the rest of the world.
According to Mr. Toner, Mr. Gross is a 63-year-old husband, father, and dedicated professional with a long history of providing assistance and support to underserved communities in more than 50 countries.
Since his arrest, Mr. Gross has lost more than 100 pounds and suffers from severe degenerative arthritis that affects his mobility, and other health problems, Mr. Gross reported.
“His family is anxious to evaluate whether he is receiving appropriate medical treatment, something that can best be determined by having a doctor of his own choosing examine him.” – Mr. Toner
Alan Gross is a dedicated international development worker who has devoted his life to helping people in more than 50 countries.
He was in Cuba to help the Cuban people connect with the rest of the world.
