Ex-Army intelligence analyst Manning jailed for defying grand jury subpoena

By Sarah N. Lynch and Mark Hosenball

 

FILE PHOTO: Chelsea Manning speaks at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, U.S., March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Suzanne Cordeiro/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was taken to jail on Friday after a federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, held her in contempt for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury, representatives for Manning and the U.S. Justice Department confirmed.

 

Manning had appeared before the grand jury on Wednesday but declined to answer questions in connection with what is widely believed to be the government's long-running investigation into Wikileaks and its founder Julian Assange, citing her First, Fourth and Sixth Amendment rights under the Constitution.

 

She returned to court Friday for a hearing and Judge Claude Hilton of the U.S. District Court for the District of Virginia weighed the legal arguments Manning used to justify her decision to defy the grand jury subpoena.

 

Manning's communications team released a statement saying the judge said she will be detained until she either cooperates or the grand jury finishes its term.

 

It is unclear exactly why federal prosecutors want Manning to testify, although her representatives say the questions she was asked concern the release of information she disclosed to the public in 2010 through WikiLeaks.

 

Manning was convicted by court-martial in 2013 of espionage and other offences for furnishing more than 700,000 documents, videos, diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts to WikiLeaks while she was an intelligence analyst in Iraq.

 

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, in his final days in office, commuted the final 28 years of Manning’s 35-year sentence.

 

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been a longtime target of a criminal investigation in the United States, had promised to accept extradition if Manning was freed.

 

Assange has been living in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London since 2012.

 

A document that prosecutors say was filed in federal court last year by mistake appeared to show that federal authorities already have obtained a sealed indictment against Assange.

 

After journalists discovered the document, prosecutors declined to either confirm or deny a sealed indictment had been issued by the Alexandria-based grand jury, which has been hearing evidence on Assange and Wikileaks for years.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-03-09

No love lost here for this gender confused traitor, and if there is anyone loathed by everybody is a traitor, and what most infiruration the most is that this person using the very foundation of the laws he committed treason on to now protect him... 

Obviously Assange's peace Noble prize should be shared with her.

The worst of human behavior...maybe next she will flee to a terrorist group and funnel documents to the West while providing services to the fighters...????

While I despise Assange, my views towards Manning are that she committed serious crimes for which she was convicted and has had her sentence commuted (not pardoned), end of.

 

I almost hit ‘report’ when I read Ezzra’s tirade, specifically use of the term ‘gender confused’, but I then in a sense this has some relevance to how Assange was able to manipulate an extremely vulnerable young person.

 

Assange used and abused Manning’s vulnerabilities to solicit Manning to commit crimes on Assange’s behalf, then being the kind of man Assange is, he hid while Manning faced arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment.

 

Manning is not on trial, and I would expect would be given a ‘cooperation agreement’.

 

If she is not cooperating because she wishes to protect Assange then that is an indication that Obsma’s decision to commute her sentence was as misguided as is her apparent continuing loyalty to Assange.

 

Regardless of Manning’s crimes and standing convictions she rightly has the protections and rights written in the Constitution.

Double Jeopardy, she already paid her debt to society; being screwed over for politics.

1 minute ago, IAMHERE said:

Double Jeopardy, she already paid her debt to society; being screwed over for politics.

You seemingly do not understand double jeopardy.

 

She’s not on trial, she’s refusing to give testimony to a Grand Jury.

Still conflicted about Wikileaks.  I don't mind selective targeting and release of info about criminal acts, war crimes, etc..  But releasing sitreps from Ambassadors to D.C., for example, relaying their impressions and contrasts between open, polite diplomacy and what's really going on, doesn't achieve anything useful.  

 

On one hand, I detest Manning's betrayal.  But also felt it was important, and useful, to out the s**t that was going on up there in Iraq, which I personally never agreed with.

2 hours ago, IAMHERE said:

Double Jeopardy, she already paid her debt to society; being screwed over for politics.

She stated that she was offended by the Grand Jury system which is held in secret, answerable to no one, and is a way to silence political opponents. She opened my eyes on this one. And if you look at history only the lower level of so called traitors go to prison. Look at people like Blunt in England who was spying for the Soviets for years.....no jail time as he was part of the Establishment. We are all programmed to go along with the System and not ask questions, even if it's going to war. It is time to start questioning the System and the people controlling us all. The system is geared up to give minimal education to the masses so they don't ask questions and challenge the status quo.

3 hours ago, Mansell said:

She stated that she was offended by the Grand Jury system which is held in secret, answerable to no one, and is a way to silence political opponents. She opened my eyes on this one. And if you look at history only the lower level of so called traitors go to prison. Look at people like Blunt in England who was spying for the Soviets for years.....no jail time as he was part of the Establishment. We are all programmed to go along with the System and not ask questions, even if it's going to war. It is time to start questioning the System and the people controlling us all. The system is geared up to give minimal education to the masses so they don't ask questions and challenge the status quo.

 

Thank you.  It's not often that one reads on TVF such clarity of mind.

 

All I know is what originally made Manning snap and post was the US helicopter gunship unleashing a hail of bullets on unarmed civilians and news journalists, and then claim they fired on heavily armed militants. Now if the US had owned up to the error and admitted their mistake. Taken their medicine as they should have being honest and transparent, okay. But they lied, continued to lie, and when the footage was released by Manning which showed absolutely clearly that the targets were unarmed civilians and journalists, the US government was caught with their pants down in a bald-faced lie. For me, Manning was a law-breaking whistleblower as most government whistleblowers are. 

Manning is acting on the advice of her legal council.

 

She'll give evidence as soon as she has received binding agreement that she herself cannot be prosecuted for the testimony she gives and that her 'commuted' imprisonment cannot be reinforced on the basis of testimony she gives. 

 

My guess is she's looking for an immunity deal.

 

To be very clear, the Grand Jury can only investigate and where, in the considered opinion of the Grand Jury crimes have been committed, file indictments with the Justice Department.

 

The Grand Jury itself cannot convict and any indictments filed by a Grand Jury are subject to trial in open courts of law.

 

---

The bigger question is, while Manning has been subpoenaed to give testimony, who might be the person(s) and/or organisation(s) being scrutinised by the Grand Jury?

 

We'll find out soon enough.

 

 

6 minutes ago, HLover said:

Disregard, a Google search answers my question.

 

Google translate doesn't help much with "Sheilia" [sic], but if you meant to write "Sheila" my dictionary of English/Australian defines "Sheila" as "girl", "wench", "distaff", "Dutch" and (among many others) "the trouble and strife" if the Sheila is married.

7 hours ago, IAMHERE said:

Double Jeopardy, she already paid her debt to society; being screwed over for politics.

Suggested recipe: Read the article. Research the meaning of double jeopardy as it applies to US Federal Law. Research the basic functions of a Grand Jury and the basis for committing contempt. Mix well, pour into the brain and bake for one hour. Remove and digest the contents.

An inflammatory post has been reported and removed. 

Should have been shot for treason long ago. 

10 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

You seemingly do not understand double jeopardy.

 

She’s not on trial, she’s refusing to give testimony to a Grand Jury.

No, she is standing by the constitution.

Anything she says can and may be used against her. Again, and that means double jeopardy.

The only things she revealed to Assange was criminal behaviour by the security services.

And if we do not have a law to protect informers of serious and murderous intent, democracy is in serious trouble.

I suspect if someone has proof that Mr Trump can be proved by someone of collusion,

that would make that person a "traitor" You cannot have it both ways. Manning did the world a favour and showed up the criminals and murderers in US security forces.

1 hour ago, blazes said:

 

Again, on this thread, a contribution is unusally clear-headed and articulate in attacking the sickly virtue-signalling that has become a cancerous pest in our society.

Thanks, makes good reading.

Here's a story story from another bunch of leftist virtue signallers otherwise known as Fox News:

Chelsea Manning jailed for refusing to testify on Wikileaks

Former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning has been jailed for refusing to testify to a grand jury investigating Wikileaks.

U.S. District Judge Claude Hilton ordered Manning to jail Friday after a brief hearing in which Manning confirmed she has no intention of testifying. She told the judge she "will accept whatever you bring upon me."

https://www.foxnews.com/us/founder-of-spa-where-robert-kraft-was-charged-with-accused-prostitution-attended-trumps-super-bowl-party-report

 

Not that you didn't make a very profound point by pointing out that referring to transgender people by the gender they prefer "has become a cancerous pest in our society." How many more months do you estimate the USA has to live before it dies riddled with transgender tumors?

 

Et tu, Breitbart?

“I responded to each question with the following statement: ‘I object to the question and refuse to answer on the grounds that the question is in violation of my First, Fourth, and Sixth Amendment, and other statutory rights,” Manning said. “All of the substantive questions pertained to my disclosures of information to the public in 2010 — answers I provided in extensive testimony, during my court-martial in 2013,” she added.

https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/03/08/chelsea-manning-jailed-after-refusing-to-testify-in-wikileaks-case/

Inflammatory posts and replies removed.  

5 hours ago, bristolboy said:

Here's a story story from another bunch of leftist virtue signallers otherwise known as Fox News:

Chelsea Manning jailed for refusing to testify on Wikileaks

Former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning has been jailed for refusing to testify to a grand jury investigating Wikileaks.

U.S. District Judge Claude Hilton ordered Manning to jail Friday after a brief hearing in which Manning confirmed she has no intention of testifying. She told the judge she "will accept whatever you bring upon me."

https://www.foxnews.com/us/founder-of-spa-where-robert-kraft-was-charged-with-accused-prostitution-attended-trumps-super-bowl-party-report

 

Not that you didn't make a very profound point by pointing out that referring to transgender people by the gender they prefer "has become a cancerous pest in our society." How many more months do you estimate the USA has to live before it dies riddled with transgender tumors?

 

Et tu, Breitbart?

“I responded to each question with the following statement: ‘I object to the question and refuse to answer on the grounds that the question is in violation of my First, Fourth, and Sixth Amendment, and other statutory rights,” Manning said. “All of the substantive questions pertained to my disclosures of information to the public in 2010 — answers I provided in extensive testimony, during my court-martial in 2013,” she added.

https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/03/08/chelsea-manning-jailed-after-refusing-to-testify-in-wikileaks-case/

What on earth are you on about?

 Sexuality should have no importance in this so called discussion. (Or since YOU highlighted personal attributes, hate posts)

 Her gender has nothing to do with any debate, nor should it ever be.

 She has been pardoned for releasing information that showed criminal activity at all levels of US security forces.

But US justice says, you show us up to be criminals and we will send you to jail.

And even after you have been pardoned, we will still harass you and send you to jail.

8 hours ago, Pilotman said:

Should have been shot for treason long ago. 

She is a whistleblower and has demonstrated bravery under immense pressure. A great deal more ethics than the helicopter gun crew who murdered innocents, including attempted murder of an ambulance crew during the same incident. One can realistic assume they and other crews committed other atrocities. 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/05/wikileaks-us-army-iraq-attack

I didn't agree with the commutation Obama gave, but it is a done deal at this point and he served his time. Seems like he's trying to do the right thing here and the government is punishing him to harshest extent possible because of his past behavior, which is wrong. Whole case against Wikileaks is ridiculous since you can't prosecute journalists for covering stories in America so he's definitely on the right side this time. Trump should step in and end this now. Maybe once Mueller report drops he will feel he has the political freedom to act. 

18 hours ago, Mansell said:

She stated that she was offended by the Grand Jury system which is held in secret, answerable to no one, and is a way to silence political opponents. She opened my eyes on this one. And if you look at history only the lower level of so called traitors go to prison. Look at people like Blunt in England who was spying for the Soviets for years.....no jail time as he was part of the Establishment. We are all programmed to go along with the System and not ask questions, even if it's going to war. It is time to start questioning the System and the people controlling us all. The system is geared up to give minimal education to the masses so they don't ask questions and challenge the status quo.

“She stated that she was offended by the Grand Jury system which is held in secret, answerable to no one, and is a way to silence political opponents.”

 

Manning may very well have stated that, but it remains utter hogwash.

 

A Grand Jury has power to investigate and examine criminal activity, it has the power to file indictments with the Justice Department but is not empowered to prosecute.

 

The Grand Jury tests the evidence of high profile, politically sensitive, cases involving people holding public office and (under the 5th Constitutional  Ammendment) capital crimes.

 

Grand Jury hearings are secret, not to hide nefarious deeds by Government but to protect, evidence, witnesses, the reputation of those being investigated and the fairness of any subsequent trial.

 

The accusation that Grand Juries are used to silence political opponents is demonstrably false since in the first instance the Grand Jury is testing ‘accusations’ before a jury (hence a barrier to false accusations) and secondly the Grand Jury does not pass sentence - Indictments  raised by Grand Jury are tried in open court of law.

 

Manning’s claim here is in direct contradiction with the facts of what a Grand Jury is and is empowered or do.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, usviphotography said:

I didn't agree with the commutation Obama gave, but it is a done deal at this point and he served his time. Seems like he's trying to do the right thing here and the government is punishing him to harshest extent possible because of his past behavior, which is wrong. Whole case against Wikileaks is ridiculous since you can't prosecute journalists for covering stories in America so he's definitely on the right side this time. Trump should step in and end this now. Maybe once Mueller report drops he will feel he has the political freedom to act. 

You, like the rest of us, have absolutely no evidence of any case being made against Wikileaks on the basis of ‘journalism’.

 

There are however indications (in Indictments against Manafort and Stone) of Wikileaks being investigated for taking part in Russia’s interference in the 2016 US election.

 

If you have evidence that the US Justice Department is in pursuit of Assange for ‘Jounalism’ please present some facts on the matter.

3 hours ago, Prissana Pescud said:

What on earth are you on about?

 Sexuality should have no importance in this so called discussion. (Or since YOU highlighted personal attributes, hate posts)

 Her gender has nothing to do with any debate, nor should it ever be.

 She has been pardoned for releasing information that showed criminal activity at all levels of US security forces.

But US justice says, you show us up to be criminals and we will send you to jail.

And even after you have been pardoned, we will still harass you and send you to jail.

You are correct, Manning’s gender is not and should not be an issue.

 

You are incorrect, Manning was not issued a ‘Pardon’, Manning’s ‘sentence was commuted’.

 

You are incorrect, being improsoned for refusing to testify before a Grand Jury is not evidence of harassment.

Receiving a ‘commuted sentence’ for one crime does not give anyone the right to defy the Grand Jury with impunity.

 

 

10 hours ago, Prissana Pescud said:

No, she is standing by the constitution.

Anything she says can and may be used against her. Again, and that means double jeopardy.

The only things she revealed to Assange was criminal behaviour by the security services.

And if we do not have a law to protect informers of serious and murderous intent, democracy is in serious trouble.

I suspect if someone has proof that Mr Trump can be proved by someone of collusion,

that would make that person a "traitor" You cannot have it both ways. Manning did the world a favour and showed up the criminals and murderers in US security forces.

 

Manning is refusing to give testimony to a Gtrand Jury. In order to test the veracity of your post above, tell us what crimes is that Grand Jury inquiring into?

14 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

You, like the rest of us, have absolutely no evidence of any case being made against Wikileaks on the basis of ‘journalism’.

 

There are however indications (in Indictments against Manafort and Stone) of Wikileaks being investigated for taking part in Russia’s interference in the 2016 US election.

 

If you have evidence that the US Justice Department is in pursuit of Assange for ‘Jounalism’ please present some facts on the matter.

 

Wikileaks is the most respected journalism outfit in the world today, and the alleged case against them is the same as was tried (and failed) against the NY Times in the Pentagon Papers Case. You can not prosecute journalists for reporting news in America. You can prosecute the people who perhaps broke the law in leaking them the news (as was done with Manning originally) but you can't go after the journalists themselves. That is why Obama shut this case down during his Presidency. Deep State revived it because they think the Russian Hoax will prevent Trump from stepping in and doing the same but he should ignore all that and do the right thing. It isn't as if his enemies can increase the amount of bitching any higher than current levels. 

4 minutes ago, usviphotography said:

 

Wikileaks is the most respected journalism outfit in the world today, and the alleged case against them is the same as was tried (and failed) against the NY Times in the Pentagon Papers Case. You can not prosecute journalists for reporting news in America. You can prosecute the people who perhaps broke the law in leaking them the news (as was done with Manning originally) but you can't go after the journalists themselves. That is why Obama shut this case down during his Presidency. Deep State revived it because they think the Russian Hoax will prevent Trump from stepping in and doing the same but he should ignore all that and do the right thing. It isn't as if his enemies can increase the amount of bitching any higher than current levels. 

Your claim that ‘Wikileaks is most respected journalism outfit in the world today’ is unfounded.

 

What ‘alleged case’ against Wikileaks?

 

An allegation in an indictment that you can reference as fact?

(AKA a factual allegation).

 

OR

 

An allegation that the US Justice Department has an allegation in an indictment that you can’t reference as fact?

(AKA a non factual allegation of an allegation).

 

”Deep State”

 

I’ll no encourage you on that hogwash.

 

Show is facts.

 

Homophobic or transphobic posts will be removed and the posters suspended.

Baiting post reported and removed.