Update 8/9/12: UK anti-war activism, political repression, and Bradley on the cover of World War 3
Anti-war activists in the UK remember Bradley Manning in ceremony for all victims of war. According to the event description: “Oswestry Coalition for Peace held a Peace Picnic at the Wilfrid Owen Peace Garden on Saturday 4 August, while the Chester Stop the War Coalition for Justice and Peace held their annual Flower Memorial at the Groves by the River Dee on Monday 6 August.” See more photos of the event here, and a write up of the action here.
Simon Wood writes a ‘Paean to Pussy Riot and Bradley Manning.’ Wood draws parallels between the Russian feminist band and PFC Bradley Manning, as both represent struggles against political repression:
Considering the huge array of disgraceful US government abuses exposed to the world thanks to the release of the cables, Bradley Manning fits the classic description of a ‘whistleblower’, a hero of true democracy. This case serves as yet another reminder that secrecy plagues all kinds of governments, even the ones that call themselves democracies. It also serves as a distraction from the actual corruption, lies and crimes detailed within the cables themselves.
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The single clearest sign of tyranny throughout history has been the imprisonment, persecution and/or abuse of dissidents. Russia with Pussy Riot and the United States with Bradley Manning are faithfully keeping this vicious tradition alive in the 21st century. This must be fought, and it can be if everyone, no matter how powerless or insignificant you feel you are, puts more and more pressure on these regimes through every medium available.
Many see Bradley Manning as a political prisoner, especially considering the disproportionately lenient treatment given to those exposed to have committed war crimes. (Read more…)
World War 3 magazine features Bradley Manning on current issue cover. The current issue deals with political repression and censorship. Here’s the cover image:
Bradley Manning is being prosecuted/persecuted for exposing crimes perpetrated by the US government. The people who committed these crimes are not being charged and because they have power, will most likely never be charged.
Bradley Manning is a hero for exposing these crimes. He should be rewarded, as should all whistle-blowers.
Where is the justice?
Justice is no longer rewarded in our country.