Cuba has released a Jewish American prisoner it held for five years on charges of trying to provide internet service for some of the island's residents. President Obama announced a historic break with US policy toward Cuba on Wednesday and said diplomatic relations with the island nation would be re-established.
Alan Gross, 65, was arrested on espionage charges in December 2009. He worked as a subcontractor for the US Agency for International Development. His release is part of an agreement that includes the release of at least three Cubans accused of spying and imprisoned in the United States, officials said.
An administration official said in a statement that "Mr. Gross was released on humanitarian grounds by the Cuban government at the request of the United States." Cuba had arrested Gross for allegedly trying to set up an Internet access system while working as a subcontractor with the US Agency for International Development. Gross was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday in Washington, Gross opened his statement with a Hanukka greeting and a thank you to the president. “Chag sameach,” he said. “What a blessing to be a citizen of the United States of America. Thank you President Obama for everything you have done today.” He credited the advocacy by his wife of 44 years, Judy Gross, and his lawyer, Scott Gilbert, for getting him out of prison. He also thanked the Jewish community.
