An American contractor jailed for over four years in Cuba has launched a hunger strike to protest his treatment by both the Cuban and U.S. governments. Alan Gross was arrested in 2009 on suspicion of being a U.S. spy after handing out equipment to Cuban opposition groups. A spokesperson for Gross’ family said he is refusing meals to call attention to mistreatment by Cuba and inaction by his own government. The spokesperson, Jill Zuckman, also said the recent disclosure of a U.S.-backed fake social media network in Cuba had undermined Gross’ cause.

Jill Zuckman: “Alan’s been in prison over four years, and during that time he has lost 110 pounds. And that was before he started the hunger strike five days ago. He was in really frail health. I know all of his family and friends have been extremely concerned about his ability to survive the conditions in prison there before going on this hunger strike. So, at this point, we’re all very worried that he’s not going to last through this. … Alan learned about ZunZuneo before he started his hunger strike and was not happy about it. His attorney, Scott Gilbert, said he felt that USAID put Alan in greater peril by starting that program than he had been before.”