After announcing their intention to disclose their evidence against Pfc. Bradley Manning at a preliminary hearing, the US Army has finally set a date for doing so, saying the hearing will be held on December 16.
Manning has been held by the military for 18 months now, facing charges that he was responsible for leaking large quantities of embarrassing documents to WikiLeaks. The hearing will be the first formal effort to bring him into the military court system.
But over the past 18 months, Manning’s detention has often become a major scandal, particularly his repeated abuse in custody at Quantico, which ended with him transferred and the military brig eventually being closed entirely.
If convicted, Manning faces a lengthy prison sentence, though it has often been suggested that the Obama Administration is hoping to trade that sentence for Manning’s cooperation in an effort to move against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
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I will be curious to see if this is going to be a predetermined circus or whether they might actually find someone within the system who understands Rule of Law and niceties such as evidence and proof. Not holding my breath tho.
Since a military 'court' is a panel of officers, they'd have to find several who are willing to say that they'll never be promoted again and that their military careers are coming to an end.
Can you imagine what the 'performance review' for an officer who voted innocent would read like?
One of the few soldiers who actually fought for freedom. Bradley Manning, you're my hero.
Kangaroo court here we come!
The poor little bastard! Big Brother has him by the throat and He's going to make an example of him!
Manning is a hero. Evil needs to be exposed and he revealed an ocean-full of it.
America is the Dark Kingdom and we ain't seen nothing yet!
http://www.dangerouscreation.com
One thing Manning is accused of is stealing US State Department material. Manning is a soldier in the US Army, which is part of the Department of Defense which has no relationship to State Department. No matter what honest thinks Manning did is being accused of theft, illegal entry, among other crimes. This is a kin to dropping charges against a bank robber because he once donated money to a charity.
Manning is no hero, and seems to be just a disgruntle employee. We all have feel frustration, and want to do something about it. Many of us wouldn't do what Manning did, because we know that there are consequences of our actions. I wonder how many people are living vicariously through Manning without seriously thinking about his actions. They must be really glad that it isn't them.