HAVANA — Prosecutors are charging a jailed American contractor with “acts against the integrity and independence” of Cuba and requesting a 20-year jail term, state news media reported Friday, dimming hopes that the 60-year-old Maryland native would be allowed to go home soon.
Alan Gross has been jailed without charge since December 2009 on suspicion of spying.
The U.S. government, and his family, say he was distributing communications equipment to the island’s Jewish community. They have long called for him to be released, or at least brought to trial.
State-controlled website Cubadebate said that a trial date would be set shortly and that Gross’ family, his attorney and American consular representatives will be allowed to attend.
“Following an exhaustive investigation, the Prosecution is requesting a 20-year prison sentence for the defendant,” the website said.
“We deplore the Cuban government’s announcement that Cuban prosecutors intend to seek a 20-year sentence for Alan Gross,” said Gloria Berbena, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, which Washington maintains instead of an embassy.
“Mr. Gross is a dedicated international development worker,” she said. “His imprisonment without charges for more than a year is contrary to all international human rights obligations. . . . He should be home with his family now.”
Peter Kahn, Gross’ U.S.-based lawyer, said that although he was disappointed with the severity of the charges, it was “a positive development” that the case was finally moving forward.
Gross was working for a firm contracted by the U.S. Agency for International Development when he was arrested Dec. 3, 2009, and sent to Havana’s high-security Villa Marista prison. The project Gross worked with was part of a $40 million-a-year USAID program to promote democracy and political change on the island.
