What about Government War Crimes?
Travesty of Justice
Army private Bradley Manning sentenced to 35 years in prison for whistleblowing
Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Speech, Privacy & Technology Project:
When a soldier who shared information with the press and public is punished far more harshly than others who tortured prisoners and killed civilians, something is seriously wrong with our justice system.
Statement by the Center for Constitutional Rights:
We are outraged that a whistleblower and a patriot has been sentenced on a conviction under the Espionage Act. The government has stretched this archaic and discredited law to send an unmistakable warning to potential whistleblowers and journalists willing to publish their information. We can only hope that Manning’s courage will continue to inspire others who witness state crimes to speak up.
Statement by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, in part:
The only just outcome in Mr Manning’s case is his unconditional release, compensation for the unlawful treatment he has undergone, and a serious commitment to investigating the wrongdoing his alleged disclosures have brought to light.
Widney Brown, Senior Director of International Law and Policy at Amnesty International:
Bradley Manning acted on the belief that he could spark a meaningful public debate on the costs of war, and specifically on the conduct of the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan. His revelations included reports on battlefield detentions and previously unseen footage of journalists and other civilians being killed in US helicopter attacks, information which should always have been subject to public scrutiny.
Public advocate Ralph Nader posted this message on his Facebook page:
Clemency is the next call for Bradley Manning by his legions of supporters from all political backgrounds. He has suffered enough.
“It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.” -Voltaire
Free Bradley Manning!
Blowing the Whistle on War Crimes is NOT a Crime!
1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties. 4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, etc. 5. Seek peace through justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Malu `Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box AB Kurtistown, Hawai`i 96760.
Phone (808) 966-7622. Email ja@malu-aina.org http://www.malu-aina.org
Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet (August 23, 2013– 622nd week) – Friday 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office
