WikiLeaks Suspect Manning on Trial

WikiLeaks Support rally

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US intelligence analyst Bradley Manning faces court on suspicion of leaking numerous top-secret videos and documents to the WikiLeaks organisation.

He was taken under military custody in Iraq on May 26, 2010. In order to plea for his case, the soldier is transferred from Fort Leavenworth, where he was imprisoned till now.

He is also accused of aiding the enemy by allowing intelligence to be published on the internet, theft of public property and fraud. If found guilty, he could get a life sentence.

This hearing provides Manning’s lawyer David Coombs the chance to object to the fact that he was imprisoned for many more months than the initial 120 days required for court martial cases.

Nevertheless, the prosecution could argue that there is a loophole in the law if there is a security clearance for classified documents involved.

Coombs could address other matters such as the soldier's torture in Quantico and the “unlawful command influence” related to a statement made by the chief commander of the US military, Barack Obama, which suggests Manning’s guilt and could possibly lead to a biased trial.

If the attorney decides to use this rule, he could lodge a motion to get the case dismissed.