Alan Gross awaiting sentence

• The trial of U.S. citizen Alan Phillip Gross, accused of the crime of acts against the independence or territorial integrity of the state, concluded on March 5, when the People’s Provincial Court declared the case closed for sentencing. Its ruling should be announced in the next few days.

During the hearing the prosecution submitted evidence of the direct participation of the accused in the introduction and development in Cuba of a subversive plan directed at defeating the Revolution, essentially aimed at the country’s youth, university, cultural, religious, feminist and ethnic sectors. While implementing these anti-Cuban intentions he attempted to utilize sophisticated technology to create clandestine info-communications networks beyond the control of the national authorities in order to incite counterrevolutionary provocation.

Gross acknowledged that he was utilized and deceived by the DAI (Development Alternatives Inc.), a conduit for the USAID government agency subordinate to the Department of State, and responsible for political destabilization programs against governments in Latin America and other parts of the world which are not to the liking of the White House.

He accused DAI of having placed him in danger and of leading him to his current situation; of ruining the life and finances of his family.

During the trial, the accused made a free statement and responded to questions from the prosecution and defense and the court concerning the acts for which he was being tried. Statements from 10 witnesses, nine expert witnesses with 26 reports, the examining magistrate report, and a large volume of material and documentary evidence presented by the prosecution were also taken into account.

Those attending the hearing included Gross’ wife, U.S. attorneys and consular representatives from the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.