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December 4, 2012

Manning Attorney: Treatment of Accused Whistleblower "Criminal" 
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The attorney for accused U.S. Army whistleblower Bradley Manning spoke
out Monday night in his first public speech about his client's case.
Addressing a church audience in Washington, D.C., David Coombs called
Manning's treatment in U.S. custody "criminal," and said that Manning is
feeling optimistic about his chances in court.

David Coombs: "Brad's treatment at Quantico will forever be etched I
believe in our nation's history as a disgraceful moment in time. Not
only was it stupid and counterproductive, it was criminal. An entire
group of individuals who I no doubt are honorable men and women chose to
turn a blind eye to how Bradley was being treated. I can tell you he is
very excited about having his case go forward in the process now. It's
been a long time. And he is also at this point very encouraged by the
way the proceedings are going."

A pre-trial hearing before Manning's court martial is ongoing. Coombs
says he intends to continue to call Manning's military jailers to the
stand to confront them on Manning's harsh treatment behind bars.

 

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