Chelsea Manning, the whistle blower responsible for providing classified material to WikiLeaks–including the captured video of U.S drone strikes purposely targeting Reuters journalist Saeed Chmagh, Namir Nool-Eldeen and several other civilian targets–has served 6 years of her 35 year prison sentence in military jail. this is more than any whistle blower in american history has ever served. she faced solitary confinement for one full year prior to her trial and has been returned to solitary confinement after attempting suicide. As a trans woman, Manning faced further persecution when seeking proper healthcare and treatment and was forced to protest in hunger strike in order to seek transition surgery.
Chelsea Manning courageously declined a plea deal during her trial, stood by her actions, and accepted the full sentence when it was announced to her. Manning is a hero who undertook an immense personal cost to bring crimes committed by American military to public attention. During a time of uncertainty, speculation and overlooked concerns, Manning substantiated the claims of Iraqi and Afghan civilians with irrefutable proof.
She is a hero who deserves a full and unconditional pardon from Barack Obama, but is only asking for release with time served for her 35 year prison sentence.
You can read the formal commutation application sent to Barack Obama here
You can donate to Chelsea Manning’s cause here
You can sign Amnesty International’s petition to seek clemency for Chelsea Manning here.
Chelsea Manning is a hero. She deserves freedom and safety and to live the life she is entitled to.
