Dec 17 - International Callout for Solidarity with Bradley Manning!

by from David Rovics Sat Dec 03, 2011 18:58

David Rovics "Song for Bradley Manning":

http://www.youtube.com/drovics#p/f/5/ljh5RRrPHsQ

by MEP's Wed Nov 30, 2011 18:55

64 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including two of its Vice Presidents, signed a letter to President Obama expressing their concerns about the violation of Bradley Manning's civil and human rights.  In their letter, the MEPs called on the US government to allow the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to meet privately with Bradley Manning. 

PRESS ADVISORY 

WIKILEAKS:
MEPs send a letter to US government expressing concerns about the human rights of Bradley Manning

Wednesday 30 November 11:30, press room, European Parliament, Brussels

MEP's Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL), Christian Engström (Greens-EFA), Ana Gomes (S&D), Marietje Schaak (ALDE) and Christofer Fjellner (EPP), will present to the press a letter addressed that same day by themselves and  50 other colleagues of the European Parliament to President Obama, Members of the US Congress, and U.S. military authorities.

The letter refers to very serious breaches of the civil and human rights of Mr. Bradley Manning, the young soldier whom the U.S. Army has accused of releasing classified information pertaining to possible US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The open letter to the U.S. government specifically calls on the U.S. government to grant the request of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez, to meet privately with Bradley Manning.  The US government has so far denied the request of Mr. Mendez, which was prompted by reports that Bradley Manning was imprisoned for an extended period in conditions of solitary confinement, nudity, sleep deprivation, and other psychological abuse.

The U.S. Army has accused Bradley Manning of "aiding the enemy," a capital offense that is punishable by death.  The 23-year old soldier has been imprisoned for 17 months without yet having had his day in court.   An initial hearing has recently been scheduled for December 16. 

A copy of the letter will also be symbolically given during the press conference to a member of the U.S. organization Veterans For Peace, Gerry Condon, who will take part in the press conference.

For information Paul Emile Dupret: + 32 2 284 2067   paul-emile.dupret@europarl.europa.eu 

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