The American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement Tuesday condemning a military judge’s decision to convict Army Pfc. Bradley Manning under the Espionage Act, characterizing it as an effort to “intimidate anyone who might consider revealing valuable information in the future.”
“While we’re relieved that Mr. Manning was acquitted of the most dangerous charge, the ACLU has long held the view that leaks to the press in the public interest should not be prosecuted under the Espionage Act,” Ben Wizner, the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project director, said in a statement. “Since he already pleaded guilty to charges of leaking information – which carry significant punishment – it seems clear that the government was seeking to intimidate anyone who might consider revealing valuable information in the future.”
Manning was acquitted on charges of aiding the enemy.
