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(Image source: Fox News)
BY CANDICE AVILES
The man behind one of the largest leaks of secret U.S. intelligence documents will face
the most serious charge he could get for his crime — aiding the enemy.
On Thursday, a military judge chose not to drop the charge against Pfc. Bradley Manning.
It carries the death penalty, but the Obama administration said it would instead pursue
a life-in-prison term with no parole. (Via BBC)
The judge said there was enough evidence to prove Manning knowingly gave information to
enemy groups. (Via Fox News)
Back in 2009, Manning allegedly provided 700,000 classified war documents, videos and other
items to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks. However, the classified information made its
way into the hands of Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. (Via BBC)
In February of 2013, Manning "denied that he was guilty of 12 counts, including aiding
the enemy, but pleaded guilty to 10 lesser offenses that could have put him in prison
for up to 20 years." Manning also chose to not have a jury and be judged just by a judge.
(Via The New York Times)
The defense has argued the private didn't act deliberately in aiding the enemy and instead
aimed to increase public awareness. They also argue while in talks with WikiLeaks founder
Julian Assange, there was never any intent to share the documents with Al-Qaeda. (Via The
Washington Post)
Despite Manning admitting to a few of the charges, CNN reports a lot of people support
him and view him as a victim of a secretive government.
"Were it not for Manning, the public would not know the truth about when this U.S. apache
gunship killed Reuters reporters and civilians in Iraq."
The judge also denied another request to drop a computer fraud charge. The trial started
in June, and closing arguments could happen as soon as Friday.