But American Alan Gross not among those to be released
(NEWSER) - With a nod to Pope Benedict's upcoming visit to the country, President Raul Castro yesterday announced that Cuba would pardon 2,900 prisoners, a group that includes some convicted of political crimes, many inmates over the age of 60, and a number of women. He referred to the act as "a demonstration of the generosity and strength of the revolution," and noted that 86 foreign prisoners hailing from 25 countries would also be freed. That group does not include Alan Gross , however. The AP reports that the American government subcontractor's supporters had been pleading with Cuban authorities to release the 62-year-old Maryland native. More»