Manning's defense claims he had no intention of aiding the enemy, only to expose U.S. wrongdoing in war actions. The prosecution paints Manning as a traitor.
It is said that if Manning goes to prison Wikileaks will release information that the U.S. wants kept secret.
Next week's verdict is coming. The populace is divided in opinion on whether Manning is a good or bad person.
" Pfc. Bradley Manning, who provided classified government documents to Wikileaks detailing, among other things, America's undisclosed policies on torture, was found guilty of espionage on Tuesday.
ReplyDelete"How have we gotten to the place where the revelation of torture is no longer laudable whistle-blowing, but now counts as espionage?"
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/30/opinion/rushkoff-manning-verdict/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7
The sentencing phase is next. The problem is that there should be no punishment for whistle-blowing.
"A military judge sentenced Manning to 35 years -- less than the 60 prosecutors sought and far shorter than the 90 he could have received -- minus credit for the about three and a half years he's already been behind bars."
ReplyDeleteAs well, the judge reduced Manning's sentence by 112 days due to harsh treatment he received while in the brig.
Noam Chomsky regards Manning as a hero, as do many others. Our country's human rights violations negate any criticisms the U.S. might make against other countries.