Thursday, August 22, 2013
Chelsea Manning Supporters Gather in San Francisco
Over a hundred people gathered in San Francisco last night in solidarity with the former Army Private Bradley Manning, who had just received the stiffest penalty ever handed down in the U.S. for leaking classified materials to the press. Speakers included peace activists, prisoners' rights advocates, and members of the LGBQT community. Dance performances, poetry, and folk songs enlivened the rally. Supporters praised the now openly transgender whistleblower, who introduced herself to the world today as Chelsea Manning. They directed strong statements to President Obama and military officials who have the power to pardon Manning or at least commute her sentence of 35 years in prison. Laura Garzon Chica reports.