Petition: Keep Chelsea Manning Out Of Solitary!
Yesterday, Kevin reported that military prison officials are threatening Chelsea Manning with solitary confinement for a variety of alleged offenses including possessing an expired tube of toothpaste:
According to a list the military sent to Manning, which Fight for the Future posted, the allegations include “disrespect,” “disorderly conduct,” “prohibited property,” and “medicine misuse.”
All of the alleged misconduct took place during the first part of July. On July 2, Manning allegedly was disrespectful to a “correctional specialist”—or prison guard—during dinner. She also allegedly swept food on to the floor.
Manning, who was placed in solitary confinement while under investigation, had her cell inspected on July 9. Officers found “prohibited property”—books and magazines. An expired tube of toothpaste was also found in her cell, which is apparently uncalled for in the military.
The “disrespect” toward Manning essentially consisted of Manning refusing to talk to the guard about her conduct. She repeatedly stated, “You are accusing me,” “This interview is over,” and, “I want my lawyer,” which are justifiable responses when anyone is being told they did something punishable. In fact, it is more respectful than arguing with an authority figure.
An upcoming hearing about these supposed offenses may be closed to the press and public.
Fight for the Future has started a petition to keep Manning out of solitary:
Dear Boards Branch, Directorate of Inmate Administration: putting any human being in indefinite solitary confinement is inexcusable, and for offenses as trivial as these (an expired tube of toothpaste, and possession of magazines?) it is a discredit to America’s military and its system of justice. We demand that these charges against Chelsea Manning be dropped, and request that Chelsea’s hearing on August 18th be made open to the public, to ensure she is treated fairly.
