Photo: Via BradleyManning.org
Seen by some as a patriot deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize, and by others as a dangerous security threat guilty of treason, Bradley Manning, the U.S. soldier who leaked classified information including the Collateral Murder video to Wikileaks — has received his sentence today. He was dishonorably discharged from service today, after being convicted last month on most counts — including theft and espionage —but acquitted for the most serious charge of aiding the enemy.
The 25-year-old Private First Class was sentenced to 35 years in a military prison (although the judge, Army Colonel Denise R. Lind, could have given him up to 90 years). According to the Washington Post, Manning needs to serve at least one-third of his time before he is even considered for parole. His defense lawyer pleaded with the judge to pass down "...a sentence that allows him to have a life.” If all 35 years are served, Manning will be 57 when he is released from prison, considering the 3.5 year credit he gets for time served. (Washington Post)