Wife of detained US contractor visits him in Cuba

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Posted on Thursday, 09.23.10
Wife of detained US contractor visits him in Cuba
By WILL WEISSERT and PAUL HAVEN
Associated Press Writers

HAVANA -- The wife of an American contractor detained in Cuba for nine months on suspicion of spying has been allowed to come to the island and visit him, two people familiar with the case said Thursday.

Alan and Judy Gross met in mid-August, apparently at a beach home provided by the Cuban government. The sources spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case and the fact they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Neither source would provide any additional details on the meeting or say where exactly it took place or how long it lasted. American officials have described Gross as having lost weight since his incarceration, but have also said he is being treated well.

Gross's family had no comment, nor did the Cuban government. Gloria Berbena, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, which Washington maintains instead of an embassy, would say only that American consular officials meet with Gross monthly.

Gross, 60, a native of Potomac, Maryland, was working for a firm contracted by the U.S. Agency for International Development when he was arrested Dec. 3 and sent to Havana's high-security Villa Marista prison. He has not been charged, but Cuban officials including President Raul Castro have accused him of spying.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/23/1838900/wife-of-detained-us-contractor.html

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U.S.A.I.D.'s Alan Gross