Compounding an Injustice in Cuba

Compounding an Injustice in Cuba

Fourteen months after he was arrested by Cuban authorities while working
to bring greater Internet access to civil society groups on the island,
the other shoe has dropped on American contractor Alan Gross.

02-09-2011

Fourteen months after he was arrested by Cuban authorities while working
to bring greater Internet access to civil society groups on the island,
the other shoe has dropped on American contractor Alan Gross.

Government prosecutors said they will finally file criminal charges
against the ailing 61-year old aid worker, accusing him of "acts against
the integrity and independence" of their country. If convicted, he could
face up to 20 more years in prison.

Mr. Gross works for an American company that was implementing a program
in Cuba for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Hardly
subversive, its aim is to strengthen civil society organizations and
improve the flow of information to and from the island. Mr. Gross was
particularly engaged with helping members of the island's Jewish
communities seeking to communicate with other members of their faith
around the world. Even Cuban President Raul Castro has recognized the
need for the Cuban people to become more connected through technology,
when in 2008 he took steps to liberalize government policies on goods
and services, allowing the private ownership of cell phones and personal
computers.

Mr. Gross' long imprisonment without charge was contrary to all
international human rights obligations and commitments regarding justice
and due process. The severe charges now being considered compound a
serious injustice against a man already unfairly detained and deprived
of his liberty.

The United States is deeply concerned about Mr. Gross's welfare and
urges again that he be freed without conditions and allowed to return to
his family in the United States. His continued detention is a major
impediment to advancing the dialogue between our two nations.

http://www.voanews.com/policy/editorials/Compounding-an-Injustice-in-Cuba-115666389.html