Bradley Manning has been in jail awaiting trial for nearly 1,000 days for exposing war crimes, corruption, and widespread abuse. Demonstrations have been organized internationally.
When he returns to court in Fort Meade, MD, for a pretrial hearing from February 26 to March 1, Judge Denise Lind will rule on the defense’s motion to dismiss charges for lack of a speedy trial. Defense lawyer David Coombs has laid out the ways in which the government has violated the 5th and 6th Constitutional Amendments, Rule for Court Martial 707, and Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 10 in taking this long to try Bradley Manning. Prosecutors were supposed to arraign Manning within 120 days but took well over 600. They’re also supposed to remain actively diligent throughout the proceedings, but Coombs has showed substantial periods of their inactivity and needless delay. Bradley’s due process rights have been clearly violated, and the only legal remedy is to dismiss charges.
Judge Lind should dismiss the charges with prejudice, if she determines the government intentionally delayed Manning’s trial, which would set the young Army private free. She could also dismiss without prejudice, which would allow the government to retry the case and restart the speedy trial clock. If she does not dismiss the charges, she will condone the government’s unconstitutional delays and the deprivation of Bradley’s due process rights.
We will also hear Bradley’s updated plea offer, in which he’s expected to offer to plead guilty to several lesser-included offenses, which could carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. The government can still charge as planned, including using the Espionage Act and UCMJ Article 104, alleging Manning indirectly “aided the enemy” simply because he knew Al Qaeda could access WikiLeaks.
By the time that pretrial hearing begins, Bradley will have been in jail for over 1,000 days. In response to this historic abuse, supporters around the country and around the world are planning demonstrations, rallies, and marches on February 23. From California, to Florida, to Italy, to Germany, supporters of PFC Manning will make their protests known.
U.S. Events
Tucson, AZ Feb 23, 11am-5pm
Tempe, AZ Feb 23, 5:30-6:30pm
Los Angeles, CA Feb 23, 5:30-7pm
San Francisco, CA Feb 23, 1-4pm
San Diego, CA Feb 23, 7-9pm
Denver, CO Feb 23, 12-3:30pm
Washington, DC Feb 24, 6:30-9pm
Ft. Lauderdale, FL Feb 23, 12-1:30pm
Pensacola, FL Feb 23, 4-5pm
Tallahassee, FL Feb 23, 12-1pm
Chicago, IL Feb 23, 12-1:30pm
Boston, MA Feb 23, 1-2pm
Portland, ME Feb 23, 12pm
Detroit, MI Feb 23, 3-8pm
Minneapolis, MI Feb 23, 9:30am-12pm
New York, NY Feb 23, 2-4pm
Philadelphia, PA Feb 23, 2-4pm
Seattle, WA Feb 23, 12-4pm
International Events
Vancouver, Canada Feb 23, 1-5pm
London, England Feb 23, 2pm
Berlin, Germany Feb 23, 12:30-3pm
Rome, Italy Feb 23, 4-5pm
Fairford, Wales Feb 23, 9:30am-12pm
Find an event in your area, or host your own!
Write Bradley Manning for Valentine's Day!
A little known fact about Valentine's Day is that it originated not as a romantic holiday, but as a way to honor a crusader for social equality.
Show heart! Write a letter of support to Bradley!
We think that Valentine's Day is a fitting time to send Bradley a message of support. You can send cards and letters to the following address:
Commander, HHC USAG
Attn: PFC Bradley Manning
239 Sheridan Ave, Bldg 417
JBM-HH, VA 22211
You can also submit a picture of yourself with a message of support holding a sign that reads "I Am Bradley Manning" to http//iam.bradleymanning.org.
Bradley's attorney David Coombs has said, "the best evidence for me that I am not standing alone when I stand for Brad is a website called 'I Am Bradley Manning'. I personally have to tell you, I go to this site at least once a day. I go to this site when I need to recharge my batteries after working a long day on the case, and I just peruse the photographs – people with a simple statement in front of their face, “I am Bradley Manning.” The power of those simple words is amazing."
We agree. Thank you for supporting Bradley Manning!
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