Update 2/26/13: Protesting 1000 days in prison without trial. Judge denies speedy trial motion.
Bradley Manning is back at Fort Meade today for another pretrial hearing. Judge Lind ruled against the defense motion to dismiss charges based on the lack of a speedy trial, arguing that the speedy trial clock which measures the time from arrest to arraignment, and which should not go over 120 days, was at a reasonable 90 days (it actually took over 600 days to arraign him, but the delays were considered reasonable exclusions). Supporters have been out in force in support of the heroic soldier who did the right thing by exposing war crimes, and while the judge’s ruling is disappointing, the incredible outpouring of public support for Bradley Manning is inspiring.
A demonstration at the Terrace restaurant. Long Beach, CA. This was one of 70 events organized internationally in solidarity with Bradley Manning’s 1000th day in prison without trial.
| Jeff Paterson, live on MSNBC for the Bradley Manning Support Network, February 23, 2013 |
Over 70 events were organized globally to demonstrate support for the whistle-blower, and more are expected leading up to Bradley Manning’s court martial currently set for June. An international call to action has been called for June 1st:
“After more than three years of imprisonment, including nine months of torture, Nobel PeacePrize nominee Bradley Manning’s trial is finally scheduled to begin June 3, 2013, at Fort Meade,Maryland. The outcome of this trial will determine whether a conscience-driven 25-year-old WikiLeaks whistle-blower spends the rest of his life in prison. Bradley believed that the American people have a right to know the truth about what our government does around theworld in our name. We must send a message to the military prosecuting authority,and President Obama, that Bradley Manning is a patriot and heroic truth-teller.”
New York City |
Hillcrest, San Diego |
Bradley Manning is expected to testify later this week, when he is scheduled to enter a partial plea to the Judge, that will deny many of the charges against him – particularly the charge of ‘aiding the enemy’ – while accepting responsibility for having exposed documents to the American public in hopes of motivating worldwide debate, discussion and reform.
In my view Bradley Manning deserves a medal for courage and integrity instead of trial for treason. The most patriotic of actions is that which upholds the truth and exposes criminal behavior that our government has tried to hide.
It is most antidemocratic, inhumane and illegal action on the part of USA government to keep the American citizen in prison for 1000 day with out due trial. N.Y.Times has spent paras after paras without explaining the reason behind Bradley’s lengthy detention. They made Rosenurg as example for others,but that has not served the purpose of punishment; now nuclear and atomic powers is around in spite of making example of Rosenberg family.
Now the same mistake is being repeated in case of Bradley Manning.
Became interested in this case a month ago. Bradley is a brave young man and we honour his motivation and integrity!
Keep your head above water, Bradley. The truth will always triumph!