Rep. Salmon Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of Alan Gross’ Imprisonment

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) today issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of American Alan Gross’ imprisonment in a Cuban prison.

“Today marks the fifth year that U. S. citizen and federal contractor Alan Gross has been unjustly imprisoned in appalling conditions by the authoritarian Cuban regime.  Not only has Mr. Gross’ health been rapidly deteriorating, but his continued detention is a blatant attempt to manipulate the Obama administration into yet another disgraceful prisoner exchange.

“I strongly urge the Administration to demand his immediate and unconditional release; Mr. Gross is not a criminal and must no longer be used as a pawn in the Castro regime’s attempt to cling to its undemocratic reign. Mr. Gross instead needs to be allowed to recover in the U.S. and resume his normal life with his family and friends. Additionally, I call on the Organization of American States and its member nations to stop being bystanders to this injustice and instead press the Cuban regime to adhere to the region’s democratic values.”

Alan Gross was arrested by the Cuban government and accused of espionage while working for USAID to assist residents of Cuba.  He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
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