Chelsea Manning Sentenced to 35 Years for Leaking Classified Documents
Background
Chelsea Elizabeth Manning, born Bradley Edward Manning on December 17, 1987, is an American activist and whistleblower. A former United States Army intelligence analyst, Manning provided the website WikiLeaks with a trove of classified documents in 2010, while working in Iraq.
The Leak
In 2010, Manning leaked hundreds of thousands of military and diplomatic records, including the "Collateral Murder" video, to WikiLeaks. The leak had a significant impact on the public's understanding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Motivations
Manning's motivations for the leak are complex and have been the subject of much speculation. Some believe Manning was motivated by a desire to expose government wrongdoing, while others suggest she was seeking fame or revenge. Regardless of her motives, the leak had a profound impact on the public discourse about national security and the role of whistleblowers.
Sentencing
Manning was convicted of 20 charges, including aiding the enemy, and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. The sentence was widely criticized by human rights groups and supporters of whistleblowers, who argued that it was excessive and aimed at silencing future leaks. Manning was released from prison in 2017 after serving seven years.
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