Castro Regime Upholds Conviction of Alan Gross

Washington, D.C.– Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s statement on the Castro regime’s decision to uphold the conviction of Alan Gross, an American humanitarian aid worker.

“Today, the Castro dictatorship once again confirmed its war against America and has demonstrated its absolute disdain for the most basic human rights with its affirmation of the conviction of American humanitarian aid worker Alan Gross.

Mr. Gross was convicted in a farcical trial for attempting to provide internet access to Jewish communities in Cuba, a severe "crime" in Communist Cuba. Despite stringing along the U.S. State Department for months by indicating that Mr. Gross may be released on "humanitarian" grounds, the regime has once again repudiated the Administration’s unilateral concessions with another slap in the face.

The Castro regime has a long history of opposing U.S. interests and responding to perceived weaknesses in some U.S. Administrations with increased brutality and boldness. Since President Obama took office and immediately began providing a series of unilateral concessions to the Castro regime, the regime has held hostage humanitarian aid worker Alan Gross, murdered two prisoners of conscience in prison, amped up the brutal repression against its own people, and two U.S. State Department employees were convicted of spying for the regime.

How long will it be before the Obama Administration realizes the true nature of the Castro dictatorship? While in prison, Mr. Gross has reportedly lost 95 pounds and is suffering various health ailments. His wife and daughter are both battling cancer. This abhorrent treatment of an American citizen who was imprisoned for acting to further basic American principles of free expression, association, and information, is outrageous. However, it seems that this Administration is incapable of outrage.

It is past time for the Administration to stop providing unilateral concessions to the Castro regime by easing travel regulations and channeling millions of U.S. dollars to the brutal regime. It is time for the Administration to support the Cuban people and Mr. Gross by refusing to aid their jailers any longer.”