Chelsea Manning goes on hunger strike to protest treatment and conditions

[davidn3600]

U.S. soldier Chelsea Manning, serving a 35-year prison term for passing classified files to WikiLeaks, said on Friday that she would refuse to eat until given help for her gender dysphoria and “treated with dignity, respect and humanity” by the government.

The 28-year-old Army private, who was born male but revealed after being convicted of espionage that she identifies as a woman, tried to commit suicide in July over what her representatives said was the government’s denial of appropriate treatment for those gender issues.

The Army announced later that month that it would investigate Manning for misconduct in connection with the attempt to take her own life, a probe that could lead to indefinite solitary confinement, reclassification into maximum security or additional prison time.

“I need help. I needed help earlier this year. I was driven to suicide by the lack of care for my gender dysphoria that I have been desperate for. I didn’t get any. I still haven’t gotten any,” Manning said in a statement released by a spokeswoman.

“I am no longer asking. Now, I am demanding. As of 12:01 am Central Daylight Time on September 9, 2016, and until I am given minimum standards of dignity, respect, and humanity, I shall—refuse to voluntarily cut or shorten my hair in any way; consume any food or drink voluntarily, except for water and currently prescribed medications; and comply with all rules, regulations, laws, and orders that are not related to the two things I have mentioned,” Manning said.

According to Manning’s representatives, doctors have recommended that as part of her treatment for gender dysphoria the solider, who began hormone therapy in 2015, be allowed to follow “female hair grooming standards.” The government has refused.

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/09/chelsea-manning-announces-hunger-strike-over-treatment-in-prison/

[msanthrope]

1. She was given the choice to move to the civilian federal system,

which would accomodate her needs. She should do so.

[TipTok]

2. Hunger strike for a haircut?

Really?

[msanthrope]

3. I'm not going to second-guess what she and her doctors think is necessary, but

I will reiterate that she was given the chance to move to a civilian federal prison which would be more accommodating of her needs. What she wants is simply not going to happen in a male, military prison.