Cuba Trial Begins for Mr. Alan Gross

HAVANA TIMES, March 4 — The trial of US citizen Alan Gross for “acts against the integrity and independence” of Cuba began Friday morning in Havana.  The 61-year-old Maryland resident could face up to 20 years in prison for his part in a US government program to promote regime change in Cuba.

Gross’s wife Judy, and attorney Peter J. Kahn arrived by foot at the courthouse in the 10 de Octubre neighborhood of the capital, reported AP.  Officials of the US Interests Section were also present.  The press was not allowed to attend the trial that is expected to last a day or two.

Gross works for Development Alternatives Inc. which lands sizeable US AID contracts in countries including Afghanistan and Iraq.  He was arrested in December 2009 for distributing illegal electronic equipment on a tourist visa.

For more on the Alan Gross case see:  Cuba Puts Alan Gross on Stage One