BREAKING: Bradley Manning acquitted of aiding the enemy charge (guilty of 15 lesser charges)

[kpete]

Last edited Tue Jul 30, 2013, 02:01 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: UPI

US Army PFC Bradley Manning was acquitted Tuesday of aiding the enemy, the most serious charge he faced in disclosing classified documents to Wikileaks.

He was found guilty of at least 15 lesser charges for illegal release of documents.

He could still face up to a maximum of more than 150 years in prison if the judge decides to compound the maximum sentences of the more minor charges.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.



Read more: http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/07/30/BREAKING-Bradley-Manning-acquitted-of-aiding-the-enemy-charge/6531375204190/#ixzz2aYAPErQ3



FORT MEADE, Md., July 25 (UPI) -- Prosecutors said Thursday Army Pfc. Bradley Manning "deliberately disclosed" classified documents to make information available to enemies of the United States.

During his closing argument at Manning's Fort Meade, Md., court-martial, Maj. Ashden Fein said Manning aided U.S. enemies by leaking information to WikiLeaks -- a charge the government had not previously pressed in a leak case -- The New York Times reported.

Fein said Manning's "wholesale and indiscriminate compromise of hundreds of thousands of classified documents" to WikiLeaks was no ordinary journalistic leak, the Times said.

Fein said it is criminal to leak classified information to "established journalistic enterprises" but said Manning's alleged crime is worse because Manning "deliberately disclosed classified information to WikiLeaks knowing WikiLeaks would disclose it to the world in exactly the form they would receive it."



Read more:

Read more: http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/07/30/BREAKING-Bradley-Manning-acquitted-of-aiding-the-enemy-charge/6531375204190/

---

3m ago Manning family issue statement

The family of Bradley Manning has issued a statement to the Guardian giving their reaction to today’s verdict. The statement is written by Manning’s US-based aunt, who has asked to remain anonymous, speaking on behalf of the soldier’s family:

While we are obviously disappointed in today’s verdicts, we are happy that Judge Lind agreed with us that Brad never intended to help America’s enemies in any way. Brad loves his country and was proud to wear its uniform.

We want to express our deep thanks to David Coombs, who has dedicated three years of his life to serving as lead counsel in Brad’s case. We also want to thank Brad’s Army defense team, Major Thomas Hurley and Captain Joshua Tooman, for their tireless efforts on Brad’s behalf, and Brad’s first defense counsel, Captain Paul Bouchard, who was so helpful to all of us in those early confusing days and first suggested David Coombs as Brad’s counsel. Most of all, we would like to thank the thousands of people who rallied to Brad’s cause, providing financial and emotional support throughout this long and difficult time, especially Jeff Paterson and Courage to Resist and the Bradley Manning Support Network. Their support has allowed a young Army private to defend himself against the full might of not only the US Army but also the US Government.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/30/bradley-manning-trial-verdict-live



************

3m ago Summary

Bradley Manning has been found not guilty of aiding the enemy but still faces up to 130 years in prison after being found guilty on several counts of theft and espionage.

The military judge hearing the case, Army Col Denise Lind, gave her verdict at 1pm on Tuesday. The aiding the enemy charge was the most serious, as it carried a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

However Manning could still face an effective life sentence after being convicted on numerous other counts. He was found guilty of five charges of theft and five charges of espionage as well as other offenses. His convictions carry a maximum sentence of up to 130 years in prison.

Manning's sentencing hearing will begin tomorrow.

**************

14m ago What we know
Information is still filtering out of Fort Meade – we will have a full report from Ed Pilkington shortly – but for the moment, this is what we know:

• Bradley Manning has been found not guilty of aiding the enemy

• Manning has been found guilty of five espionage charges

• He has been found guilty of five theft charges

Live UPDATES:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/30/bradley-manning-trial-verdict-live



More here, from someone who is there:
https://twitter.com/carwinb



**************

[WilliamPitt]

1. NOT GUILTY ON AIDING THE ENEMY

Huge.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

6. Huge is right!

Fucking fantastic, IMO.

Solidarity with Manning!!!!

[think_critically]

22. are you serious

Why is this guy a hero. I don't get it. He leaked all kinds of things that had nothing to do with any kind of government wrong doing. What purpose does leaking state department cables about comments about other world leaders serve. Manning is a punk plain and simple and should spend a good portion of his life in prison. At least Snowden had some sort of moral high ground.

[Divine Discontent]

32. if you think Snowden has moral high ground, but Manning is a punk

you might be a (fill in the blank)

[George II]

103. It's the opposite...

Manning is facing his accusers and will most likely be going to jail. Snowden's a gutless coward too chicken too face reality.

If one commits an act of "civil disobedience" because he thinks what is going on or the law is wrong, he faces the consequences, as hundreds or thousands of those who committed acts of civil disobedience before him.

[Divine Discontent]

150. HEAR HEAR!

[HangOnKids]

34. Thanks for the comedy!

Love the "punk" name calling. Classy.

[Vanje]

57. Mirt Alert!

nt

[man4allcats]

116. What'sa Mirt? n/t

[Vanje]

118. Malicious Intruder Removal Team

Its a group of DU volunteers who deal with trolls.

[snot]

126. +1!

[LiberalLovinLug]

84. What purpose does leaking those cables serve?

How about bringing democracy to the Middle East? The cables he released about the US's two-faced backing of Tunisia's dictatorship helped spark the initial Arab Spring. Even though it might be a slow rough process now, I think most agree that Libya is in a better place, and Egypt hopefully soon. Its not perfect but it awoke the peoples of that region and they now have a taste for democracy.

As well, these were not the highest level top secret military files. I think he did a great service in exposing the lies and deceptions that we all suspected were going on. That our government says one thing publicly but another on a "secret" cable. How far do you want that to go? If you give them an inch they will eventually take a mile.

I can't believe how many people gladly march forward into George Orwell's nightmare.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

142. .

[laserhaas]

100. What he leaked was a film of an Apache killing media persons and those that rushed to assist the

parties who may not have been mortally wounded.

[Vanje]

121. The helicopter-shooter massacre

Yea. Thats what it was.
11 were shot. 2 of these were newsmen working for Reuters.
9 were killed. The fate of the other 2 is not known.

The Manning-released video are widely available online. It is horrendous.
It wasn't just "collateral damage", it was intentional murder of civilians.
Because of Manning's release of that video, The shameful cover-up was uncovered.
Justice was delivered to the war criminals.....Though what do you want to bet Manning serves more time than the murderers.

[rhett o rick]

138. I will explain it. He is a hero to those of us that are fighting for our freedom and liberty.

He is the enemy of the REpublicans and Conservative Democrats that side with the NSA and Booz-Allen and the security state.

[cstanleytech]

143. Manning isnt a hero but not a traitor either since he didnt do anything like knowingly provide

provide information on US intelligence efforts in China for example like Snowden so hopefully Manning wont have to serve to long in prison even though he did clearly break the law.

[cyclezealot]

27. we are surrounded by idiots.

This kind of shyt , we have every right to know. Thank you Bradley Manning. Admission is the only way to wash the blood from our hands. He is a hero.Without Manning the video below would still be top secret , as the government wants this kind of thing hidden and out of view.

.https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/July_12,_2007_Baghdad_airstrike_transcript

[think_critically]

33. Explain the diplomatic cables

Why leak the diplomatic cables? All that did was embarrass the country. I'm so sick of idealism. We live in the real world.
As for atrocities, they have occurred in every single American war and will continue to occur. When we let politicians lie us into wars, accept the lies and even support them, and then get outraged when the nasty details are discovered then the true blame lies with us. Why isn't their any outrage at all of this phony news outlets that didn't ask any questions about the Iraq war in the first place? And speaking of Manning, I'm pretty sure he didn't release cables that reflected favorably on anything the U.S. was doing. Like I said, he's a punk who wanted to make a name for himself. I'd sentence him to at least 20 years if I were the judge.

[HangOnKids]

37. Hah Hah Hah Hah

I feel sorry for you that is why I am replying to your threads.

[think_critically]

48. don't know why

You feel sorry for me? I feel sorry for a lot of you. This is the problem with liberals in general. We can't see the forest for the trees. Instead of celebrating an admitted felon in Bradley Manning we should call him out for what he is and focus our efforts on the politicians and society at large who tacitly support this stuff. Keep in mind, no body forced Bradley Manning to join the military. He did that on his own free will knowing that military is used to kill and capture people. Anybody with a brain should know that in a war you will have evil people who do bad things and I'm sure manning knew that. It's kind of hypocritical to serve in an organization and still draw a paycheck mind you that you despise so much that you would release top secret information to the world. He's self serving and why people can't see that I don't know. At least Snowden had the balls to actually quit what he was doing and leave the country.

[HangOnKids]

50. Your writing is really poor and you should use paragraph breaks, I can't read your diatribe

So I will bid you goodbye. I'm sure you will do really well on Du. Take care fair prince.

[think_critically]

60. doing multiple things at once

Sorry, I was doing multiple things at once. The bottom line for me is that Manning did indeed break the law and furthermore, many of his disclosures served no purpose other than to disparage the reputation of the government. It's hard to argue that you are taking some idealistic principled stand by releasing secret state department cables that reveal embarrassing details about U.S. foreign policy. Manning did this and should pay the consequences for his actions. That said, I bid you adieu sir.

[Unknown Beatle]

89. Wait a minute!

Are you suggesting that some things the government does in a time of war should remain secret? That the good people of the US should remain in the dark over war atrocities? I don't think so.

WE have every right to know what's going on in a war field. Our tax dollars are buying weapons of mass destruction. We pay the salaries of our soldiers. Vietnam was a TV war, as shocking as some images were, and that's why it was hugely unpopular, well that and the draft. But, the invasion of Iraq was purposefully decided to allow limited media and no coverage of the coffins returning to the US. In other words, unlike Vietnam, Iraq didn't make it personal. Remember the My Lai massacre? The media uncovered that episode.

If our government is going to censor war, then we need more Bradley Mannings.

What the government is trying to do is frighten people into not becoming whistleblowers by imprisoning and torturing Manning. Maybe that would send a message.

"by releasing secret state department cables that reveal embarrassing details about U.S. foreign policy."

So, you do admit that the state department does embarrassing things and they try to keep them secret as a result?

[think_critically]

92. of course they do

Any institution run by human beings bet it a business, family, sports team etc will have secrets that are potentially embarrassing. Why anyone would think the government is any different I don't know. I mean seriously, what value is their to be gained by the world knowing that the folks in the state department view some foreign leader as a lying narcissist for example. Had Manning stopped at the war related stuff then he might have some sort of moral standing but he didn't. This is why I hope he spends a good portion of his life in prison.

[Unknown Beatle]

97. Business, family and sports team

are one thing, but the government is a totally different animal.

The government is doing things on our tax dollar, we are the ones that should run the government, as per the constitution. But unfortunately, today's government is a rogue entity. That's why we need whistleblowers. Expose the scum that run D.C.

They came for Manning and I did nothing.
They came for Snowden and I did nothing.
Then they came...

[George II]

105. "At least Snowden had the balls to actually quit what he was doing and leave the country."

Here's where you lost me. It takes balls to run and go into hiding and then give up his citizenship? He's the ultimate coward.

[Doc Holliday]

125. Yeah.

Just like all those pussies who ran off to Canada instead of dying in Vietnam.

Acting on their beliefs.

Cowards? Don't think so.

[George II]

135. What does THAT have to do with this topic?

[robbob]

141. Yeah, because the USA has assured us

that they aren't going to torture him. The dude just gave up a very comfortable life for a very uncertain future and you call him a coward? You, sir, are full of s**t.

[awoke_in_2003]

123. "This is the problem with liberals in general. We can't see the forest for the trees"

Not fooling anyone.

[hrmjustin]

43. I hope he gets time served!

[tumtum]

49. He's not getting time served.

He faces up to a 130 years on the conviction charges. I think this young man is going to spend the rest of his life in the federal supermax prison in CO., Florence ADX.

[msanthrope]

61. Leavenworth. nt

[tumtum]

66. Probably, now that he's been acquitted of the most serious charge.

But he still faces 130 years plus the 20 years for the charges he's already pleaded guilty to.
No way the military is going to let him walk with time served.

[msanthrope]

71. Right now he's housed in a pre-trial medium security 'pod' in Leavenworth, but his

convictions indicate he will be moving to maximum security--and I'm not sure if Leavenworth maintains any maximum security wings anymore. Could be a lot of places.

[tumtum]

77. Never had the "pleasure" of being a guest of Leavenworth during my time in the Army.

Don't know if they maintain any max sec. wing there, if not, then it'll probably be Florence ADX.

[Laughing Mirror]

98. He is being held in Ft. Myer, next to Arlington Cemetery

The commute to the trial in Maryland from Leavenworth in Kansas would hardly be possible.

[msanthrope]

108. That's for this court stint. His home prison for two years has been Leavenworth. nt

[Laughing Mirror]

144. You said that he is in Leavenworth 'right now"

He is not.

[msanthrope]

146. Mea culpa. nt

[Angleae]

147. The disciplinary barracks at Leavenworth are pretty much all maximum security.

The federal prison across town is medium security. The military maintains only one maximum security prison, at Leavenworth.

[msanthrope]

148. So he can stay at Leavenworth...just move across the street, then? nt

[Angleae]

149. No. As a military prisoner he'd be incarcerated in a military prison.

If he's sentenced to 10 years or more it's the disciplinary barracks, otherwise one of the other brigs at some major base.

[Zen Democrat]

64. I think the judge will run the sentences concurrently and he'll serve about 20-25 years.

[tumtum]

68. Still too long.

We'll find out tomorrow.

[George II]

106. 2-3 weeks I heard

[MADem]

81. I will toss my guess in with yours, I think you are closer to the mark.

I think the least he will serve is five years (and that would be terribly optimistic) and the most will be thirty.

That's a complete SWAG, of course. I think this judge did a good job, maybe she's got the ARMY JAG title in her future? She should be in the running after this "spotlight dance."

[davidpdx]

136. 10 years with time served and DDC

He will serve 7 years.

[MADem]

137. That would be enough to provide the cautionary lesson, without being overly onerous.

I think onerous is thirty years, a stiff sentence is twenty, and ten to fifteen with time off for good behavior probably in the mix. Five is a "Naughty Lad." Getting out at seven years is very do-able, maybe even five (not counting the pretrial confinement). Ganer did six and a half years on a ten year sentence, he's still on probation until next year.

The earlier this guy gets out, the longer his probation. We'll know soon enough...!

[hrmjustin]

83. I hope not! I pray that the judge will show mercy.

[tumtum]

86. +1000.

[snot]

127. Part way through the trial, the government promised the judge a higher position.

[hrmjustin]

128. Wow they are not even trying to hide it.

[ljm2002]

73. "I'm so sick of idealism"

Why does that not surprise me.

[muriel_volestrangler]

74. "wanted to make a name for himself"? He tried to stay anonymous

He was the person who alerted the American public to the atrocities committed in their name. Plenty of other people know about them, and no-one had done anything. There has been plenty of outrage at both the politicians who lied us into the war, and the media that let them. And Manning released all cables, not just embarrassing ones. Thank goodness you're not the judge - you are woefully under-informed about this.

[cosmicone]

78. Plain and simple.

If we claim to be the good guys and champions or justice and morality, we should not be playing dirty tricks and have underhanded dealings.

Manning exposed the hypocrisy and showed that we are no better than the Soviet Union or North Korea when it comes to atrocities and shady dealings.

You cannot have it both ways ... either we are really wearing a white hat or that the white hat is just for show.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

95. Why yes, we do live in the real world,

in that real world the MIC and international corporations have us and our future by the throat and any attempts to make that transparent should be welcome.
As for embarrassing the country, that's what we have the right wing for.

[NealK]

101. OFFS

[bitchkitty]

140. Maybe there weren't any

cables that were favourable to the US?

[rtracey]

82. I'm sure

I'm sure that will help him sleep when he is in prison for 30 years or more, knowing you are with him.....

[LiberalLovinLug]

90. And myself...

..and thousands if not millions worldwide.
Yes, if you are a political prisoner who is suffering for something your conscience compelled you to do, it DOES help you sleep at night knowing there are others that agree and support you I would imagine.

[rtracey]

93. Sorry not buying that

Umm as you sit at your dining room table with your wife or girlfriend, and get to spend your weekends with the boys, beering and having a good time, and this kid is in a 6x8 cell for 23 hours day.... yeah, I'm sure he will just fold his hands over his head and say....yup, I'm loved by millions......switch for a month and tell me what you think......

[LiberalLovinLug]

110. Not buying what?

If you are saying that I wouldn't do the same thing as he did, that I can't answer. Seeing war crimes that would be covered up if not for me releasing them. I don't know if I would be brave enough to make that public.

But I'm not living in hyperbole. The reality is that Manning is in jail, and I'm not. He did a very brave and good thing and I will support him in anyway I can. Attending rallies, letters in support for him in publications and replying to blind authoritarians in news message boards. Its not much, but I won't be silent.

What else does he have if not at least the knowledge that millions respect him and support his actions? If you've ever read anything by Amnesty International you'd know that prisoners get a great deal of mental strength knowing they are not alone.

[NealK]

114. Well said.

[SylviaD]

28. Where are all those claiming it was a "kangaroo court" and that he would be convicted? n/t

[former9thward]

69. Everyplace.

He was convicted on all most all the charges and faces 150 years in prison.

[SylviaD]

112. Don't be disengenous. The main charge of being a "traitor", the one he was acquitted on. n/t

[former9thward]

115. What is disingenuous about 150 years?

That is life. What difference does it make that he wasn't convicted of being a traitor? No, they would not have executed him.

[snot]

129. Don't dispair; he still faces a maximum 136 years in prison.

[totodeinhere]

45. Huge? Convicted of 19 other counts. Faces 100+ years in prison.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/bradley-manning-guilty_n_3677096.html

[rtracey]

96. really? huge

I'm reading how great some think he was not charge with aiding the enemy...wonderful, great, solidarity, etc, but in the end... all of you preaching solidarity and huge, wonderful, etc are going to go home tonight, have dinner with the wife, husband and or kids, cut the grass, do your boring weekend shopping trips, while this kid may spend 30 year in prison....you're right, that's huge

[joshcryer]

139. Absolves Wikileaks, too.

Manning is a fucking hero. He no doubt was forced to implicate Wikileaks but didn't budge (not saying there was anything to implicate wikileaks WITH but he was very very likely tasked with it).

[sharp_stick]

2. But not guilty of aiding and abetting

if I understood it right.

[Life Long Dem]

3. Not guilty on the most serious crime

The one that could have given him life.

[shedevil69taz]

8. Still hefty prison time in his future

Something along the lines of 150 years could be handed over to him on the charges he was found guilty of, in addition to the one he plead guilty to.

[riqster]

14. The sentencing phase should be interesting. nt

[Divine Discontent]

40. the sentencing would be a joke if the judge compounds the offenses

because she, as I believed would, did not find him guilty of aiding, so I would find it silly to add all the charges together, instead of giving him 10-20. I hope also, as I prayed he wouldn't be found guilty of the worst charge, that he will be spared anymore time by a pardon once the president's term is up. Unlikely, but you never know. There were people who said I was 100% wrong for saying he wouldn't get aiding.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. Have to change the headline - "not guilty" of aiding the enemy. nt

[kpete]

10. too fast of a story

but you are right about the title

changed,
peace, kp

[BumRushDaShow]

47. You got that right! Too much coming out right now.

[GoneFishin]

5. A dishonest statement. No surprise there. WH was asked to assist in redacting.

"deliberately disclosed classified information to WikiLeaks knowing WikiLeaks would disclose it to the world in exactly the form they would receive it."

[frontier00]

7. No

he was found guilty on aiding the enemy

[William769]

12. And your source?

[MindPilot]

16. CNN: "COURT: MANNING DIDN'T AID ENEMY" n/t

[Incitatus]

19. Reading

is fundamental.

[Rockholm]

23. You must be the FOX mole on DU.

Know the facts and report the opposite.

[Vanje]

67. sniff....Does it smell funny in here all the sudden?

...like the underside of a bridge? A little bit?

[NealK]

109. WTF?

Manning Acquitted of Aiding the Enemy

FORT MEADE, Md. — A military judge on Tuesday found Pfc. Bradley Manning not guilty of aiding the enemy...

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/us/bradley-manning-verdict.html?_r=0

[Gregorian]

9. Phew. This had huge ramifications for journalism.

[frontier00]

11. News Flash

Fellow Duers....

Julian Assange is not a journalist

[Maedhros]

20. And you are not an authority on the profession of journalism.

Last edited Tue Jul 30, 2013, 05:10 PM - Edit history (1)

So who cares what you think?

[HangOnKids]

42. No Shit

I don't think anybody cares what he thinks but he posts anyway!

[Myrina]

46. Nor is anyone pretending to be one on CNN, FAUX or most of MSNBC & the major networks anymore ...

So what's your point?

[ljm2002]

75. What is your authority on the topic?

I ask, because there are some rather influential organizations who disagree with your assessment:

http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/11/28/walkley-awards-decide-julian-assange-is-a-journalist/

Walkley Awards decide Julian Assange is a journalist

The awarding of WikiLeaks with the prize for contribution to journalism in last night’s Walkey awards again raises the questions of what is a journalist and what is journalism?

That’s not surprising. Citizen journalism is with us, and so too is the global publication of pictures, news and information by people who would never think to call themselves journalists, but who find themselves caught up in events that people want to know about.

Locally, we have a media inquiry that is canvassing the issue of whether membership of the Australian Press Council should be a criteria for deciding who gets the special legal protections and access rights that are given to those organisations that claim to do journalism. Would WikiLeaks join the Australia Press Council? It is an interesting question to ponder.

The question of whether Julian Assange is a journalist or not has come up before. This is not the first award for journalism he has won?—?he got the Martha Gelhorn prize earlier this year.

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/11/28/wikileaks_julian_assange_win_major_australian

WikiLeaks, Julian Assange Win Major Australian Prize for "Outstanding Contribution to Journalism"

Over the weekend, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange accepted the award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism at the 2011 Walkley Award in Australia, an honor akin to the Pulitzer Prize in the United States.

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/jun/02/julian-assange-martha-gelhorn-prize

Julian Assange wins Martha Gellhorn journalism prize

Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, has won the 2011 Martha Gellhorn prize for journalism.

The annual prize is awarded to a journalist "whose work has penetrated the established version of events and told an unpalatable truth that exposes establishment propaganda, or 'official drivel', as Martha Gellhorn called it".

"WikiLeaks has been portrayed as a phenomenon of the hi-tech age, which it is. But it's much more. Its goal of justice through transparency is in the oldest and finest tradition of journalism," Martha Gellhorn prize judges said in their citation.

"WikiLeaks has given the public more scoops than most journalists can imagine: a truth-telling that has empowered people all over the world. As publisher and editor, Julian Assange represents that which journalists once prided themselves in – he's brave, determined, independent: a true agent of people not of power."

[Alameda]

13. confused here... NYT has this headline "Manning Acquitted of ‘Aiding the Enemy"

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/us/bradley-manning-verdict.html?_r=0

"WASHINGTON — A military judge on Tuesday found Pfc. Bradley Manning not guilty of aiding the enemy, but convicted him of multiple counts of violating the Espionage Act."

[iandhr]

18. He was founded not guilty of the most serious charge...

... which was aiding the enemy but was found guilty of other charges.


I am guessing "violating the espionage act which is legally different carries a lower burden of proof."

[Buenaventura]

56. I'm confused, too - In US civilian courts an acquittal ...

(i.e. a not-guilty verdict) prevents the accused from being re-tried even if additional evidence surfaces.

Is that true in military courts as well, or do they play by different rules - well, I know they do, but in this case?

[Brewinblue]

122. WTF? What retrial?

He was charged with 16 separate counts of breaking the law. By far the most serious was the one of Aiding the Enemy. It was on that charge that he was found not-guilty. On the other 15 lesser counts, he was found guilty. There will be no need to re-try Manning. All that's left is the sentencing.

[hrmjustin]

15. I pray the judge is merciful.

[wtmusic]

17. +1

[truebluegreen]

21. "Time served" would more than satisfy me.

Especially given the way he served it.

[hrmjustin]

24. That would be nice but not likely. Do you know how long he has served already?

[truebluegreen]

31. It has been more than three years since his arrest (May 2010)

and I think more than a year--make that nine months--in solitary.

http://solitarywatch.com/2013/02/23/bradley-manning-marks-1000-days-in-pre-trial-detention/

[hrmjustin]

35. Hopefully the judge will take into account how he was treated.

I think he will get more time but I hope it is a very quick sentence.

[truebluegreen]

38. I'm hoping too.

[struggle4progress]

41. He was arrested 27 May 2010, so a bit over 3 yrs ago

[forestpath]

51. +1000

[Hell Hath No Fury]

52. 10 years max on most of the charges -

If the judge rules they can run concurrent, that is ten years for all charges. Add in time served and he may be looking at a little under 7 years. That is the best case scenario, IMO.

[hrmjustin]

55. Most likely. I hope for the best.

[East Coast Pirate]

65. No parole, right?

[Blue State Bandit]

25. Clear vindication.

It's far from over for him, but this proves that a principled stand can not be misconstrued as aiding the enemy.

[Divernan]

26. He has right of appeal to the Army Court of Criminal Appeals.

From the Guardian

(a) military lawyer is talking us through some of the possible next steps in the case after the verdict. He's confirmed a couple of interesting points:

* The maximum sentence that Manning could face is life in military custody if he is found guilty of "aiding the enemy" and 154 years in jail if he is found guilty of all the remaining 20 counts. There is no minimum sentence for any of the total of 21 charges.

That means that theoretically Lind could find Manning guilty of all 21 offences, then go on to sentence him in a few days or weeks to let him walk from court having reduced his actual sentence to nothing. Don't hold your breath though.

* If the soldier is eventually sentenced to more than six months in custody, or given a punitive discharge, he will automatically be entitled to an appeal to the Army Court of Criminal Appeals. That suggests that a lengthy and fraught appeals process is all but certain.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/30/bradley-manning-trial-verdict-live

[grantcart]

30. If I am not mistaken Mr. Manning has already pleaded guilty to most of the other

minor changes which would make an appeal moot on the verdict but possible on the sentence.

[Peregrine]

76. Didn't the plea deal on the DOS cables

Include 20 yr sentence?

[Divine Discontent]

44. thank you. and yes, for time served, and how he was treated should factor into her decision

I think another 2 yrs would be something I would cheer (at the leniency shown). I'd prefer time served, but that probably won't happen.

[hack89]

111. He cannot appeal his guilty pleas.

the judge made sure he understood exactly what the ramifications were before accepting his guilty pleas.

[OnyxCollie]

36. K&R. nt

[Solly Mack]

39. K&R

[kpete]

53. ouch....

12m ago
Colonel Denise Lind, the military judge presiding over the court
martial of the US soldier, delivered her verdict in curt and pointed
language, writes Ed Pilkington from Fort Meade:

“Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty,” she repeated over and over, as the reality of a prolonged prison sentence for Manning on top of the three years he has already spent in detention dawned.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/30/bradley-manning-trial-verdict-live

[coffeenap]

54. Live coverage continues on Democracy Now:

http://www.democracynow.org/live/bradley_manning_verdict

[kpete]

59. Thanks

and peace
kp

[coffeenap]

63. Same to you--and extra thanks for all you do for us here. :) nt

[adirondacker]

91. Thanks or posting this link! Excellent!

"Now that I know, I can not unknow".

[railsback]

58. Sounds like the court chalked the 'aiding' up to pure ignorance.

I can believe that. Manning doesn't seem to be that sharp.

[GoldenOldie]

62. Classifying a document TOP SECRET by

US Government "servants," in 99% of the cases Government documents are classifide as "TOP SECRET, SECRET, etc," is just a plain old CYA by the bosses, so they don't have to justify their own indescretions. Manning is a simple PFC who never should have had the hands-on of a "SECRET" classification. So once again it's a hang the messenger, while the real thugs thrive and prosper.
As a retiree from DOD, I handled many a highly classified document and I know what of I speak.

[ljm2002]

70. Thanks goodness...

...I certainly hope he gets a much lighter sentence than the maximum though.

K&R

[myrna minx]

72. K&R. Wow. This is a big deal. I hope he's sentenced to time served.

Last edited Tue Jul 30, 2013, 03:05 PM - Edit history (1)

[midnight]

79. K&R

[DontTreadOnMe]

80. Misleading title! It should read "GUILTY on 10 charges, but acquittal on 1 charge"

Not sure why people are "celebrating" his acquittal of the main charge, he still is going to SPEND MOST OF HIS LIFE in jail.

[maddiemom]

85. YES!

[muriel_volestrangler]

87. UK Channel 4 News: "Has the way they treated Manning hurt the USA more than the leaks?"

I'd say yes.

[Marthe48]

88. If revealing truth is a crime

I hope more of us are guilty of it.
From the beginning, I read that Bradley Manning didn't release material that threatened soldiers on duty in war zones. Had he caused harm, such as Cheney revealing an active spy, which endangered people she contacted and caused her to retire, and Cheney's wrongdoing was ignored, had Manning done something soulless like that, I wouldn't have supported his actions.
Our country must return to the idealistic high ground that made us heroes in WWII. Right now, we are bullies with better weapons.

[bvar22]

94. This is NOT GOOD NEWS.

Bradley Manning will spend the Rest-of-his-LIFE in conditions that most civilized countries consider TORTURE,
[font size=3]Because he DID the RIGHT THING.[/font]

Manning should be pardoned immediately.

You would think that a government that pays so much Lip Service to the Constitution and Government OF The People
would be more respectful to the actual principles of Democracy.

[pasto76]

119. the 'right thing' just happens to be illegal

people like you need to understand that.

and this is the difference between Manning and Snowden. Manning stayed and faced the consequences. Snowden ran like a coward. The difference between a Soldier and not a soldier.

[bvar22]

124. The Declaration of Independence was "illegal" in 1776.

It was also TREASON, punishable by DEATH.
The Royalists called the American Militias cowards because they wouldn't follow the law and stand in straight lines to let the British Mow Them Down.

They ran away and lived to fight another day.
The British and the "Royalists" called them cowards.
I call them pretty fucking SMART.
If I remember correctly, the "cowards" WON that war.

Helping slaves escape the South was once illegal,
punishable by DEATH.
The slaves WON that one too.

Everything that happened in Germany in the 30s was LEGAL.
The ones who STOOD UP and said, "It may be LEGAL, but it ain't RIGHT"
were legally arrested and killed or sent to the camps.


America called the VietCong and North Vietnamese Army cowards because they refused to Stay in One Place and Fight a "Set Piece" Battle against overwhelmingly superior forces.
They called the VC cowards.
I call them pretty fucking SMART.
If I remember correctly, the cowards WON that war too.


Ellsberg releasing the Pentagon Papers was illegal.
Ellsberg has been exonerated and lionized by HISTORY for his activities.
Another WIN.

Spying on Americans was once illegal until very recently
when "they" passed NEW secret laws making it LEGAL,
and granting themselves retro-active immunity from prosecution for the the laws "they" broke while it was illegal.

There is a HUGE difference between what is legal
and what is RIGHT,
and THAT is what YOU need to understand.

[U4ikLefty]

132. Great reply bvar22. I always look forward to your posts.

They are a treat for me to read.

Thanks

[GrapesOfWrath]

134. +1000

Tell it brother (or sister)!!!!

[Posteritatis]

131. Not happy with the ruling as a whole, but still glad about the acquittal on that particular charge

For one, the penalties could be vastly more severe for that one; for another, I like precedents that say "no, this doesn't quality as aiding the enemy."

We're in a political climate where everyone thinks everything is treason in the first place, despite the legal definition (which is considerably more complex than anyone throwing the word "treason" around casually thinks). For the most part that doesn't directly affect the courts, either military or civilian, but there's probably still some pressure there. The acquittal on the "aiding the enemy" charge here is a Good Thing, as it maintains, or possibly raises, what should be a very high bar legally. A serious enough charge - or a 'popular' enough one in the right climates - should be quite difficult to bring to bear, and this ruling established that that one still is.

[Signal_Corps]

99. Secrets in the military

Secrets exist for a very good reason. If the military released their operational plans to the public prior to an operation, there is a significant chance the enemy would use that information to their advantage. Anyone who believes that all military information should be free and open lacks a fundamental understanding of how the military operates, or how to win a war. Can you imagine the consequences of the D-day landing plan falling into German hands during WWII? How about the names of Afghan civilians who aid NATO forces in Afghanistan falling into Taliban hands?

I am not saying every piece of information Manning released was important to national security, but he certainly did not take the time to examine each piece of information to identify the consequences of its release to the public. I agree he probably did not mean to help the 'enemy' but he certainly did not use his best judgment.

I do not see him as a hero.

[U4ikLefty]

133. You should have kept operation "attack the strawman" a secret.

[laserhaas]

102. The video released by Bradley Manning to Wikileaks - that started this whole affair

is about media persons being slaughtered by an Apache helicopter

as were the civilians who rushed to the aide of those who "might not have been" mortally wounded.

#at=325

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

104. He isn't ever really going to have a life

and so by that standard he has already been sentenced to a life with no life.

How many years will he spend in incarceration is the remaining question .

The court of public opinion in this case matters far less than it did in the Zimmerman trial.
And, Manning stood to the existing charges in uniform.

Manning's attorney spelled it out-Manning is not out of the fire pit and the fire is still raging.
Hero's for the most part in it break the rules. If they didn't,there most likely wouldn't be any or very many.

If the act is declared heroism ,than the individual is cleared of wrong doing in so far as breaking the rules. If not than there is no hero only insubordination.

That is the way it is in the military and this case has little to nothing to do with civilian law.
I have no doubt Manning's treatment has been to say the least inhuman.
A lot of that goes on the world in garden verities.

25 or 30.

[laserhaas]

107. Wonder if he regrets it all now - or not!

Looking forward to post conviction interviews...

[ancianita]

113. K & R

[Maven]

117. Good. Now let's hope the next president will pardon him.

I know the current one won't. Too much courage required.

[Swede Atlanta]

120. In the face of an increasingly secret and brutal American government.....

I see both Bradley Manning and Eric Snowden as true patriots. If you recall our Founding Fathers said that there will be times when the government is so out of control that the people must assert themselves to take it back (I'm paraphrasing).

The U.S. government has always been teeming with scumbags and we have almost always been corrupt and brutal. We can look at the examples of our support for the dictators in Iran, Chile, the Philippines, Central America, etc. We can look at how the CIA used black men in the 1950s to conduct research on LSD and other chemicals (and we have the audacity to criticize Germany's Doctor Mengele?)

These men, at no small risk to themselves, have exposed the treasonous, illegal and unconstitutional (regardless of what the "paid for" Supremes say) actions of our military and civilian public servants and their private mercenaries. I applaud them for their bravery and only wish this could become a chorus of "we've had enough and we are not going to take it anymore".

We should be looking for ways from free Bradley Manning and to find a place of refuge for Mr. Snowden. They are the true patriots while those serving in uniform that witness our barbaric and treasonous acts do nothing. Remember Nuremberg? We convicted Nazi military men TO DEATH for following orders and not taking personal MORAL responsibility for what they or their government were doing.

We are a nation of hypocrites if we condemn Nazis for their war crimes and allow ours, including the sitting President and his henchmen to go free without any regard for the legality or morality of their actions.

[snot]

130. +1!

[Ash_F]

145. That charge never made sense anyway.

He has been more than punished enough for the other charges. It is time to let him go.

It is time to end this distraction and prosecute the crimes he exposed.