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Wikileaks’ leaker faces 22 additional charges and life inprisonment – JIM KOURI

After what it described as an intense investigation that’s in its seventh month, the United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Command (CIC) announced Wednesday evening that the primary suspect in the so-called Wikileaks case is facing an additional 22 charges in a case that’s rocked the U.S. intelligence and diplomatic communities.

According to the Pentagon, Private 1st Class Bradley E. Manning, a low-level military intelligence analyst, allegedly “uploaded” unauthorized software onto government computers to extract classified information. He then unlawfully downloaded the data, improperly stored it, and then transmitted the classified data to unauthorized personnel which allowed the general public access to classified intelligence.

Pvt, Manning’s actions — and those of the Wikileaks owner, Julian Assange — have aided enemies in acquiring military and diplomatic information and the investigation remains ongoing, officials said.

“The new charges more accurately reflect the broad scope of the crimes that Private 1st Class Manning is accused of committing,” said Captain John Haberland, a legal spokesman for U.S. Army Military District of Washington. “The new charges will not affect Private 1st Class Manning’s right to a speedy trial or his pretrial confinement.”

According to the Washington, DC-based public-interest group Accuracy in Media, a number of sources said that Manning was angry with the military over its stance on homosexual soldiers serving openly. AIM’s analysis revealed that he was unhappy with the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy instituted during the Clinton Administration.

READ FULL REPORT HERE (Opens in separate window)…

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