Spy allowed to return to Cuba for visit

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MIAMI, March 20 (UPI) -- A Cuban spy on probation in Florida can return to Cuba to visit a brother who is suffering from lung cancer, a federal judge ruled.

Rene Gonzalez must return from Cuba within two weeks of his departure, U.S. District Judge Joan Leonard said in an order in Miami Monday, El Nuevo Herald reported.

Gonzalez, who was released from federal prison last fall, is one of the so-called "Cuban Five" convicted of spying on Cuban exiles in South Florida and trying to infiltrate military installations and political campaigns.

The Justice Department had argued against allowing Gonzalez to travel to Cuba. The department said he could get new spying instructions if he met with Cuban intelligence officials.

Philip Horowitz, Gonzalez's lawyer, said his client can't leave for Cuba until he meets procedural requirements, including notifications for his parole officer.