Where: Dupont Circle, Washington DC, then march to White House
When: 8:30pm ET
Today, while whistleblower PFC Bradley Manning was acquitted of aiding the enemy, he was convicted of other major charges including espionage that could put him in prison for up to 136 years. Supporters argue that convicting someone of espionage for making information available through the press sets a dangerous precedent and instills a chilling effect on future potential whistleblowers. Manning's supporters are protesting in Washington DC this evening, rallying at Dupont Circle at 8:30pm ET and then marching to the White House.
The rally will feature puppets, a glowing 'Free Bradley Manning' sign, drums and other noisemakers, and a march to the office of President Barack Obama, who has attempted to prosecute more whistleblowers with the Espionage Act than all previous presidents combined.
Manning was convicted of several counts of espionage, computer fraud, and federal theft. He was not convicted of espionage for releasing the 'Collateral Murder' video, which shows US Apache gunners killing Iraqi civilians and Reuters journalists. As Bradley's attorney David Coombs said after court today, "We won the battle, now we need to go win the war". The Bradley Manning Support Network plans to continue demonstrating and raising money for legal fees through the 2-4 week sentencing phase of the trial and the anticipated appeals process that will follow.
Tonight's event in DC is organized by the Bradley Manning Support Network, Veterans for Peace, and Codepink.
Contact: Nathan Fuller, 516-578-2628
press@bradleymanning.org