In 2010, former US army soldier Chelsea Manning brought to light documented US army war crimes, commonly referred to as „Collateral Murder“. She also leaked a large number of diplomatic cables, enabling the public to have a look behind the scenes of US foreign policies.

In August 2013, Manning was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment. While serving her sentence, she was repeatedly subjected to unwarranted cruelty, e.g. extended solitary confinement and denial of adequate medical treatment. Furthermore, as a transgender woman, she is forced to serve her sentence in an all-male prison.

Because of continuous severe depression, Chelsea Manning attempted to take her own life on July 5th. Her own legal team learned about this from the press, after repeatedly being unable to reach her.

As a reaction to her suicide attempt, Manning is now facing an official investigation which could result in disciplinary measures including indefinite solitary confinement and reclassification into maximum security.

„The inhumane conditions of imprisonment have driven Chelsea towards suicide. Now, she is threatened with their aggravation“, said CCC spokesperson Linus Neumann. „In 2012 already, the United Nations special rapporteur on torture harshly criticized her ‚cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment‘. We demand Barack Obama to pardon Chelsea Manning in order to put an end to this unwarranted cruelty. This would be the long-awaited sign for whistleblowers, for which many of us hope.“

In recognition of her engagement against war crimes, Chelsea Manning is an honorary member of the Chaos Computer Club. Parting US presidents traditionally exercise their prerogative of pardoning. We ask Barack Obama to show mercy for Chelsea Manning.

Links:

Charge sheet as dictated by Chelsea Manning to a supporter over the phone

US Government continues to deny Manning access to health care