Vermont US Senator Patrick Leahy's response to Manning Case

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Thank you for contacting me about the treatment of Private Bradley Manning.

Federal law prohibits government employees from leaking information that compromises national security, reveals covert agents, aids foreign governments, or discloses cryptographic information. Private Manning has been charged with transferring classified information to an unauthorized source. As a United States Senator, I've made it a policy not to comment on any ongoing cases or investigations. That being said, I am confident that he will be tried fairly and, if found guilty, punished accordingly.

I am aware of the debate regarding Private Manning's treatment in the Marine Corps Brig at Quantico. Private Manning was in the U.S. Army when he was accused of the illicit transfer of classified information. Therefore, his trial and confinement procedures are those prescribed by the military. That said, recent media reports suggest that Private Manning may be receiving unfair treatment. Claims by his lawyer that he has been made to stand naked outside of his cell, for example, are worrisome. The refusal of military spokesmen to justify these steps casts a further shadow over the conditions of Private Manning's incarceration. I assure you that I will keep an eye on all further developments this case and Private Manning's treatment.

I appreciate your concern regarding this issue, and thank you again for contacting me.