Van Hollen Statement on the Continued Incarceration of Alan Gross
Washington,
Dec 3, 2010 -
Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the continued incarceration of Alan Gross. Today marks one year of imprisonment of Mr. Gross by the Cuban government.
“Today marks the one year anniversary of the arrest and imprisonment of Alan Gross by the government of Cuba. Mr. Gross is an international development worker for DAI in Bethesda. He was working in Cuba as part of a USAID contract to help Cuba’s Jewish community improve its ability to communicate with other Jews – both in and outside of Cuba. He is being held by Cuban authorities with limited access to his family and without charge.
“Mr. Gross has worked on international development issues for over 25 years and has devoted his career to helping thousands of people around the world. Trained as a social worker, Mr. Gross has worked in humanitarian development in more the 50 countries, representing the best of America’s values by helping to improve the lives of thousands of the less fortunate.
“Mr. Gross’s release is long overdue. His arrest and continued detention without charge violates international standards of due process and judicial procedure.
“I am in contact with members of the Gross family and in frequent contact with the State Department regarding Mr. Gross. I will continue to work with my colleagues and with the Gross family to urge that every channel and resource available to the U.S government is used to secure Mr. Gross’s rapid and unconditional release.”
Congressman Chris Van Hollen
