PFC Manning is a 23-year-old US Army soldier accused of leaking classified information while serving as an intelligence analyst in Iraq. Manning has been in custody since May of 2010, and is currently facing multiple charges, including one that potentially carries the death penalty, "aiding the enemy."
Specifically, Manning is suspected of leaking the "Collateral Murder" video to the whistleblower web site WikiLeaks, which shows a US helicopter killing unarmed Iraqi civilians and Reuters journalists. They have also been charged with leaking classified Department of State cables, and is considered a person of interest in WikiLeaks' "Afghan War Diary".
Whether ultimately found innocent or convicted of their charges, Private Manning is a brave young person who needs our support, and deserves to be freed. If they are innocent of all charges, they're a casualty in the Obama administration's war on whistleblowers, and if convicted, they're a hero for exposing war crimes and the true civilian costs of our wars in the Middle East.
Before their arrest, Private Manning was supposedly starting a gender transition from male to female, and their biggest worry was being known to all the world as male and having their male photo all over the press. Manning's many well-intentioned supporters were not aware of this until recently, which is why this site's URL is "freebradley.org." However, now that such information has come to light, we feel it's best to err on the side of using gender neutral language, and rather than saying "Bradley Manning," using "Private Manning" or just "Manning" instead. Let's be respectful supporters, and not inadvertently perpetuate what Manning seemed to have most feared. We suggest that other supporters please stop publicizing Manning's image (which Manning apparently did not want), and until an official statement on their gender identity and preferred gender pronouns comes directly from Manning, that we all use neutral gender pronouns out of respect for their myriad struggles.
Do not make inflammatory statements about the case. You don't know if Manning did any of the things they are accused of, or if they are the victim of overzealous prosecutors and a government desperate for someone to take the blame for our failed attempts at occupying the Middle East. (This site Manning Bradley whether or not they are found to be responsible for the leaks.) As Manning remains tied to a stake, please don't pour fuel on the fire beneath them by "supporting" the cause with sentiments that assume guilt.
An activist and civil rights attorney consulted about some of the messaging by Manning's other "supporters" had this to say:
"It would be unfair to PFC Manning and prejudicial to [their] defense to make [them] the poster [person] for a campaign defending WikiLeaks before anyone even knows whether [they] did what [they are] accused of. [They have] been segregated and sensory deprived, facing who knows what kind of interrogation and abuse on top of solitary confinement. Even if [they] confessed under such circumstances, I wouldn't place any stock in it. People may think that statements by third parties can't hurt PFC Manning, but that's naïve. In political cases, authorities opportunistically treat speculation and innuendo as fact. The government desperately needs a fall [person] to divert attention from its own misdeeds. Prosecutors would happily exploit statements by Manning's self-styled defenders in this case."
Pay attention to what it being said in both the mainstream and alternative press.
To follow what's been included in Google News for the case (using their current legal name, Bradley Manning), click through the list below to see some current top stories. (This is mostly mainstream, big-name news, so it's a mixed bag.)
Sadly, even among liberal/radical news outlets, it's almost impossible to find an article that isn't written under the assumption that Manning is guilty of everything (and more) that the US government has accused them of. So, read all articles with a grain of salt, and discuss them with sensitivity to Manning's pending legal case. Manning has not plead guilty or been convicted of any crimes, and even well-intentioned supporters are only harming their case by calling them a leaker or praising them for exposing war crimes.
As of March 2012, Manning is currently being held while they stand trial in Fort Meade.
Commander, HHC USAG
Attn: PFC Manning
239 Sheridan Ave, Bldg 417
JBM-HH, VA 22211
USA
Manning's attorney, David Coombs, has posted on his blog the following guide for writing to his client:
As previously noted, PFC Manning is eligible to receive mail from anyone who wishes to write to him. However, the confinement facility does place certain restrictions on what can be sent to PFC Manning. The facility will reject any mail that violates postal regulations or contains obscenity, blackmail, contraband or threats. In addition, the facility has the following restrictions: a) PFC Bradley Manning cannot receive any cash, checks, or money orders. Due to this additional restriction, our office will ensure that PFC Manning has sufficient funds in his detainee account to purchase items. b) Photographs are only accepted if printed on copy paper. A maximum of six (6) pages are allowed. Pictures on photograph weight paper are not allowed. c) Incoming mail will be returned to the sender if, in the opinion of the facility, such mail falls into any of the following categories: 1) Contains inflammatory material or advocates escape, violence, disorder or assault; 2) Directly or indirectly threatens the security, safety or order of the facility; 3) Contains coded or otherwise undecipherable language that prevents adequate review of the material; 4) Is received with "Postage Due"; or 5) Contains items of contraband. |
When writing to prisoners, please keep in mind that all mail will be read by authorities, so you should not discuss any illegal activities, the case, or any other sensitive topics. Also, don't forget- Manning is innocent until proven guilty, and you're hurting their chance at a fair trial to refer to them as a "leaker" or say things like "You're a hero for exposing war crimes". In general, when writing to prisoners, only send in plain paper- no stickers, glitter, or mixed media artwork. You also cannot send in stamps, cash, food, etc.
Add a "FREE MANNING" banner to your Twitter or Facebook avatar. Go to the Twibbon page and simply click "show my support now." This way, you're getting the message out every time you tweet about the amazing sandwich you just ate or your latest Foursquare check in!
This small support site was initiated by someone who has over a decade of experience with prisoner support and watching federal-and state-level activist legal cases unfold, and the site has gained interest and input from other experienced organizers and activists. This site was set up specifically to provide people with ideas for individual and non-donation-based ways in which they can get involved in helping Private Manning.
If you would like to get in touch with this support site, email freebradley at freebradley dot org