US Soldier Bradley Manning Guilty Over WikiLeaks Disclosures

[d25trident]

US Soldier Bradley Manning Guilty Over WikiLeaks Disclosures

Bradley Manning, who leaked thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, has been convicted on 20 charges, including espionage.

However, the US soldier was cleared of the most serious charge of aiding the enemy and one which, if proved, could have had major ramifications for other whistleblowers.

The 25-year-old had admitted leaking the documents to the anti-secrecy organisation but insisted his actions had been intended to provoke a debate on US foreign policy.

He now faces up to 136 years in prison. Sentencing will begin on Wednesday.

The verdicts brought condemnation from human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and WikiLeaks.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said the conviction set a "dangerous precedent".

They are talking about 136 Year Jail Term... WOW The guilty verdict was a foregone conclusion. Of course the most important single piece of classified data Manning released was a cockpit video of two US airstrikes, one in Baghdad in 2007 and the other in Afghanistan in 2009. The footage seemed to show soldiers in flagrant violation of the laws of armed conflict.

 

[RandomWalker]

Re: US Soldier Bradley Manning Guilty Over WikiLeaks Disclos

Being found not guilty for something that carries a life sentence and ultimately being sentenced to (possibly) 136 years is kind of ironic.

What are his chances for an appeal after sentencing?

 

[nevyn68]

Re: US Soldier Bradley Manning Guilty Over WikiLeaks Disclos

This is just horrific.
The people of the USA should stand up as one and tell the military to shut up and let this kid go.
It makes me sick that the military can cover something up as bad as killing kids and he gets 136 for showing what was done.

If the people don't stand up then you are no better than the ones who covered it up in the first place.

 

[chrasna]

Re: US Soldier Bradley Manning Guilty Over WikiLeaks Disclos

If the people don't stand up then you are no better than the ones who covered it up in the first place.

I think the problem is, that nobody wants to get 136 years for standing up.
The system is in place to punish folks who disagree, as well.

-Chris

 

[lavda]

Re: US Soldier Bradley Manning Guilty Over WikiLeaks Disclos

Anything can happen in Land of free you say something against the Govoment and you end up behind the bars for the rest of your life and that's American Dream