A court in Havana has sentenced a US aid worker to 15 years behind bars for crimes against Cuba.
Alan Gross was arrested in December 2009 accused of setting up illegal internet connections in Cuba under a program funded by the US government. In Washington, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said Gross’ work involved distributing communications equipment to Jewish communities in Havana.
Many experts believe Alan Gross may now be released on humanitarian grounds. Gross, who is 61, suffers from gout, ulcers and has developed arthritis in prison.