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Showing Original Post only (View all)America WAKE UP The MANNING Circus Trial Should Be Considered UNCONSTITUTIONAL [View all]
Today's ruling also opens up a new avenue for charging leakers and whistleblowerssection (a)(1) of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which until now, has never led to a conviction. Its was crafted in the 1990s by using some of the worst parts of the Espionage Act and adding the phrase with a computer.
https://pressfreedomfoundation.org/blog/2013/07/bradley-manning-espionage-act-conviction-blow-both-whistleblowers-and-journalists
A recently unsealed decision from Colleen Kollar-Kotelly just changed the interpretation of the Espionage Act for Washington DC to cover leaks that wouldnt even harm the US.
http://blogs.fas.org/secrecy/2013/07/prosecutors-burden/
http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/07/30/doj-responds-to-non-intell-committee-member-of-opposition-party-but-not-intell-committee-member-of-presidents-party/
Today's ruling also opens up a new avenue for charging leakers and whistleblowerssection (a)(1) of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which until now, has never led to a conviction. Its was crafted in the 1990s by using some of the worst parts of the Espionage Act and adding the phrase with a computer.
This harsh conviction, coupled with a little noticed ruling unsealed this week (SEE ABOVE) in the Stephen Kim/Fox News leak case, will make it much easier for the government to charge leakers under the Espionage Act in the future. It's just the latest sign that the law has been morphed into a version of the UKs Official Secrets Actsomething that should be considered unconstitutional in the United States.
(if you have not read this, PLEASE DO)
https://pressfreedomfoundation.org/blog/2013/07/bradley-manning-espionage-act-conviction-blow-both-whistleblowers-and-journalists
These charges were unnecessary from the start, given that Manning had already pleaded guilty to ten lesser counts that would land him up to twenty years in jail no matter the outcome of the trial. With this verdict, the government is not seeking justice, it's seeking to intimidate and scare any future whistleblowers from coming forward with potentially vital information that the public should know.
There is a sliver of hope for Manning the sentencing hearing begins tomorrow and there are no minimum sentences for the crimes he has been convicted of. The defense will also now be able to admit evidence as to his intent and the lack of damage the disclosures cost.
**********
also note this:
We are informed that, since July 2010, PFC Manning has been confined for 23 hours a day to a single cell, measuring around 72 square feet (6.7 square metres) and equipped only with a bed, toilet and sink. There is no window to the outside, the only view being on to a corridor through the barred doors of his cell. All meals are taken in his cell, which we are told has no chair or table. He has no association or contact with other pre-trial detainees and he is allowed to exercise, alone, for just one hour a day, in a day-room or outside. He has access to a television which is placed in the corridor for limited periods of the day. However, he is reportedly not permitted to keep personal possessions in his cell, apart from one book and magazine at a time. Although he may write and receive correspondence, writing is allowed only at an allotted time during the day and he is not allowed to keep such materials in his cell.
http://www.juancole.com/2013/07/tortured-americas-bouazizi.html
I did this post for woo me with science
I am heartbroken and not of sound mind today,
thus i ramble...
kp
38 replies
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America WAKE UP The MANNING Circus Trial Should Be Considered UNCONSTITUTIONAL [View all]
kpete
Jul 2013
OP
The courts have ruled on several occasions that members of the military have the
totodeinhere
Jul 2013
#16
It is a circus trial. We should be ashamed. Many of us are. Some day when this country returns
sabrina 1
Jul 2013
#26
Woo is one of DU's treasures. I'm not surprised he would have your back, if any help, I am with you
sabrina 1
Jul 2013
#27
Thank you for the excellent, important posts you have been putting here.
woo me with science
Jul 2013
#33
The Military rules forbid torture. Will you be urging Congress to ensure that those who violated
sabrina 1
Jul 2013
#29
You missed the entire point of Bradley Manning or anyone like him lately...
MrMickeysMom
Jul 2013
#23
Out of curiosity, what was the specific secret(s) Manning was attempting to advertise to the world?
LanternWaste
Jul 2013
#38