Alan Gross, an American subcontractor who was arrested in Cuba in December 2009 appeared in court yesterday for his final appeal to be freed from Cuban prison. Gross, whose trial has been causing tension between the US and Cuba since 2009, was denied freedom and has to stay in prison for 13 more years to complete his 15 year sentence. Gross was arrested when he tried to bring satellites and other means of communication into Cuba. The US government hoped that Cuba would release Gross but not keep the charges against him especially since he’s sick. Read more about Gross’ story after the jump.

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Gross has been behind bars since his arrest in December 2009, and this spring he was found guilty of bringing satellite and other communication equipment into the country illegally.

The Maryland native has acknowledged he was working on a USAID-funded democracy program, but says he meant no harm to the government.

“While we are not surprised, we are extremely disappointed with today’s ruling, which marks the end of Alan’s legal process in Cuba,” Gross’ U.S. lawyer, Peter J. Kahn, said in a statement. “The family is heartbroken by today’s decision, but remains hopeful that there continues to be room for a diplomatic resolution of this matter.”

U.S. officials have said they did not expect the court to throw out Gross’ conviction, but have held out hope that the end of the legal process might clear the way for his release on humanitarian grounds. Gross, 62, has lost 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in jail by his own estimation, and several family members in the United States have serious illnesses.

Cuban officials have said privately they are sympathetic to humanitarian appeals, but would not consider them until the Supreme Court ruled.

“Entering his 21st month in a Cuban prison, Alan and the entire Gross family have paid an enormous personal price in the long-standing political feud between Cuba and the United States,” Kahn’s statement continued. “Now, more than ever, we call upon the two countries to resolve their dispute over Alan’s activities diplomatically, and request that President Raul Castro release Alan immediately on humanitarian grounds.”
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