Cuba seeks 20-year jail term for detained American

[Zorro]

Source: AP

Prosecutors are charging a jailed American contractor with "acts against the integrity and independence" of Cuba and requesting a 20-year jail term, state news media reported Friday, dimming hopes the 60-year-old Maryland native would be allowed to go home soon.

Alan Gross has been jailed without charge since December 2009 on suspicion of spying.

The U.S. government, and his family, say he was distributing communications equipment to the island's Jewish community. They have long called for him to be released, or at least brought to trial.

State-controlled website Cubadebate said that a trial date would be set shortly and that Gross' family, his lawyer, and American consular representatives will be allowed to attend.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110205/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_cuba_detained_american