What’s Next For Wikileaks Espionage Case?

As the sentencing phase of the U.S. vs. Pfc. Bradley E. Manning trial gets underway this week, KPBS and Peggy Pico turn to military law attorney Gary S. Barthel to provide detailed analysis on what to expect and on the possible implications of the trial. As you will recall, Manning was arrested in May 2010 in Iraq, where he had been stationed since October 2009, after Adrian Lamo, a computer hacker in the United States, reported the FBI that Manning had acknowledged passing classified material to the whistleblower website, WikiLeaks.

Manning was ultimately charged with 22 specified offenses, including communicating national defense information to an unauthorized source, and the most serious of the charges, aiding the enemy. Other charges include violations of the Espionage Act, stealing U.S. government property, charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and charges related to the failure to obey lawful general orders under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

He entered guilty pleas to 10 of 22 specified offenses in February 2013.

Manning was acquitted of the most serious charge, that of aiding the enemy, for giving secrets to WikiLeaks. In addition to five or six espionage counts, he was also found guilty of five theft specifications, two computer fraud specifications and multiple military infractions. Manning had previously admitted guilt on some of the specified charges before the trial.

The sentencing phase of trial is expected to last no longer than 2 weeks as approximately 22 witnesses are scheduled to appear for the defense. Manning could face up to 136 years in military prison and dishonorable discharge.

If you are in need of a dedicated military defense, you should immediately speak with an experienced and skilled private civilian military defense lawyer. Contact civilian military attorney, Gary S. Barthel, Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.) at (760) 536-9038 for a confidential consultation regarding your situation.

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