So did Bradley Manning fall into a black hole over Christmas holidays? [View all]

[99th_Monkey]

So January 16th has come and gone, but I still haven't seen ANYthing about any findings
or rulings by this military judge fellow, Lt Col Paul Almanza; and no news re: Bradley Manning
since Dec.. So I decided to Google for any updates, and this one below is the most recent
article I could find. Anyone know anything other than what I've posted here by way of updates?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/dec/22/bradley-manning-hearing-live-updates

Bradley Manning hearing – Thursday 22 December
• Closing prosecution and defence arguments at Fort Meade
• Thursday expected to be last day in Bradley Manning hearing
• Paul Almanza to make recommendation by 16 January
• Updating live from Fort Meade: Matt Williams
• In New York: Adam Gabbatt

Posted by
Matt Williams and Adam Gabbatt
Thursday 22 December 2011 14.01 EST
guardian.co.uk

9am: It's day seven in the Bradley Manning hearing, and it should be the last, writes Matt Williams. [snip]

9.15am: MW: I've just been told by the ever-present military lawyer – who has made the life of a lowly reporter wading through military jargon and legalese a lot easier over the last few days – that aside from the six days of testimony, the investigating officer has an additional 300,000 pages of evidence to wade through. [snip] Lt Col Paul Almanza is due to make his recommendation to the convening authority by 16 January, although he can push this date back if he is struggling. [snip]

11am: MW: Private Manning's defence challenged the investigating officer to deliver a "reality check" to the US army and government. In a 20 minute closing argument, civilian lawyer David Coombs lambasted the prosecution for trying to "strong-arm" a guilty plea from the suspected Wikileaks source by over charging him. "You are in a unique position to provide the US army with something it needs, a reality check," he opened his remarks with. [snip]

11.47am: MW: The hearing was concluded by Investigating officer Lt Col Paul Almanza who told Manning that his recommendation to the convening authority – which will ultimately rule if the soldier is to face a court martial – is not binding. Almanza now has until 16 January to inform that body of his opinion. Given the sheer bulk of evidence he has to wade through, it will mean that much of his Christmas break will be spent at his desk.