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U.S. calls on Cuba to release alleged American spy

06 August 2011 01:47 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The U.S. on Friday called on the Cuban government to "immediately and unconditionally" release Alan Gross, an American contractor who was accused of "spying and subversion" in Cuba, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

In a brief statement issued by the White House, National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor urged the Cuban government to allow Gross to "return to his family and bring to an end the long ordeal that began well over a year ago."

On March 15, the 62-year-old U.S. contractor was sentenced by the People’s Provincial Tribunal of Havana to 15 years in prison for "crimes against the independence and the territorial integrity " of Cuba. Gross’ 15-year sentence was upheld by Cuba’s Supreme Court on Friday.

The U.S. government has insisted on Gross’ innocence and pressed for his release, claiming he was just working for an American firm engaged in helping Cuban Jewish groups communicate with the outside world.

Washington broke diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961 after the revolution led by Fidel Castro. But the two countries have representatives in each other’s capitals.