Amnesty International says US should dismiss most serious charges in WikiLeaks case

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Amnesty International says US should dismiss most serious charges in WikiLeaks case
By The Associated Press July 12, 2013 11:05 AM

FORT MEADE, Md. - Amnesty International is urging the U.S. government to drop its most serious charges against an Army private who gave reams of classified documents to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks.

The London-based human rights organization said Friday that prosecutors at Pfc. Bradley Manning's court-martial haven't proven he aided the enemy. A conviction requires proof that Manning knew the material would be seen by America's enemies on the WikiLeaks website.

Aiding the enemy is the most serious of 21 contested counts. It carries a possible life sentence.

Amnesty says prosecutors also should drop other charges unsupported by evidence.


Read more: http://www.canada.com/life/Amnesty+International+says+should+dismiss+most+serious+charges/8651729/story.html

[polichick]

1. But, but, but, he's a bad guy...

right?

[Iliyah]

2. Ain't gonna happen

[geek tragedy]

3. It may be better if the jury rejects the charges rather than having them dropped.

Worst case would be a conviction, of course.

[cosmicone]

4. It is a kangaroo court

[geek tragedy]

5. A bit premature for that judgment.

I don't think he'll be convicted of the aiding the enemy charge.

[Crabby Appleton]

6. There is no jury

The defense selected to have the judge decide the case.

[geek tragedy]

7. Even better.

I think the 'aiding the enemy' is big-time overreach.

[dipsydoodle]

8. US now accusing Russia of using issue as a propaganda platform

The US State Department has echoed the White House charge that Russia is providing a "propaganda platform" for Snowden, the Guardian's Matt Williams reports:

In an often testy exchange with journalists, department spokeswoman Jen Psaki repeatedly said that the US "broadly" supported the right to free speech, but confirmed that they had conveyed their concern to Moscow over the former NSA contractor's meeting with human rights groups at Sheremetyevo airport.

Russia's dealing of Snowden risked damaging the relationship with the US but "we are not at this point yet," Psaki said.

The daily State Department briefing came hours after the airport meeting, and followed claims that US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul contacted Human Rights Watch - which participated in the event - to ask that they convey to Snowden that he was not a whistleblower in the eyes of the US.

Both White House and State Dept mow using phrase "giving a propaganda platform" to describe prospect of Russia granting #Snowden asylum.
— Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) July 12, 2013

see Guardian live only minutes ago from time of this post http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/12/edward-snowden-to-meet-amnesty-and-human-rights-watch-at-moscow-airport-live-coverag

[struggle4progress]

9. Has AI had an observer at the trial?

[bemildred]

10. The mice are losing their fear of the cat. nt

[wordpix]

11. The US should be prosecuting some real human rights abuses by the Koch Bros in Crossett Ark

http://www.kochbrothersexposed.com/koch_industries_plant_linked_to_cancer_epidemic_in_arkansas_community_video

instead of pursuing Manning, Snowden and others who are just exposing what's going on instead of committing huge crimes like the Kochs