Bradley Manning Being Moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

After increasing international outcry over the alleged treatment of WikiLeaks suspect Bradley Manning, the Pentagon is transferring him to a medium security facility at Forth Leavenworth, Kansas.

Manning’s move will limit access to his attorney, family, and friends, and does not guarantee better treatment.

This most likely was done to cover up his inhumane conditions at Quantico Bay, with the recent pressure by the U.N. and others demanding a visit with Manning.

Pfc. Bradley Manning has been transferred out of Quantico, where he spent the last nine months in solitary confinement, to the prison at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. The Pentagon claims the move has nothing to do with the international criticism of Manning’s treatment but rather is a matter of policy, as Quantico is meant for short pre-trial stays, and Fort Leavenworth, is more suitable for Manning’s continued long stay, as he waits for trial. Kevin Zeese, co-founder of VotersforPeace.us weighs in.

Firedoglake.com‘s Jane Hamsher says that President Obama needs to explain inconsistencies in statements about Pfc. Bradley Manning’s treatment.

After being “stonewalled” in attempts to investigate PFC. Bradley Manning’s confinement conditions, Rep. Kucinich says of the Department of Defense, “I don’t believe anything they say when it comes to Bradley Manning.”

Dylan Ratigan discusses the recent moving of Bradley Manning with former State Department Spokesperson P.J. Crowley and Firedoglake‘s Jane Hamsher.

Related Links:

US Fort Leavenworth Disciplinary Barracks Tactical Standard Operating Procedure 2004

US Fort Levenworth Control Proceedures for Intractable Inmates 2006

P.J. Crowley Talks About Bradley Manning Remarks

BBC HARDtalk:

P.J. Crowley was, until two weeks ago, US Assistant Secretary of State for Public affairs.

He resigned under heavy political pressure after describing the Pentagon’s treatment of Bradley Manning, the US soldier suspected of spilling secrets to WikiLeaks as “counterproductive and stupid”.

Private Manning is being held at a maximum security jail, in shackles and in solitary confinement.

In an exclusive interview for HARDtalk Mr. Crowley told Stephen Sackur he didn’t regret expressing his views, but declined to say whether he had been asked to resign.

P.J. Crowley also spoke to Shep Smith on Fox Report, standing by his comments about Bradley Manning saying, “Just because an activity might be legal or legitimate, doesn’t make it right in terms of policy. That’s what I expressed to the students at MIT, that’s what I believe, and I’ll keep expressing this view.”

P.J. Crowley also wrote an article today in the Guardian titled “Why I Called Bradley Manning’s Treatment ‘Stupid’.”

Related Link: White House Forces P.J. Crowley To Resign After Bradley Manning Statements

White House Forces P.J. Crowley To Resign After Bradley Manning Statements

ThinkProgress:

Last week, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley criticized DOD for its treatment of Manning, calling it “ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid.”

Barack Obama was later asked what he thought about Crowley’s comments, and replied saying that he trusts the Pentagon, and believes Manning’s confinement is “appropriate” and “meeting basic standards.”

CNN reported today that the White House has now forced Crowley to resign.

In his resignation statement, Crowley did not back down from his criticism:

The unauthorized disclosure of classified information is a serious crime under U.S. law. My recent comments regarding the conditions of the pre-trial detention of Private First Class Bradley Manning were intended to highlight the broader, even strategic impact of discreet actions undertaken by national security agencies every day and their impact on our global standing and leadership. The exercise of power in today’s challenging times and relentless media environment must be prudent and consistent with our laws and values.

Given the impact of my remarks, for which I take full responsibility, I have submitted my resignation as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Spokesman for the Department of State.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she accepted Crowley’s resignation “with regret.” “PJ has served our nation with distinction for more than three decades, in uniform and as a civilian,” she said. “His service to country is motivated by a deep devotion to public policy and public diplomacy, and I wish him the very best.” He previously served as a spokesman for the National Security Council and the Defense Department during the Clinton administration.

Crowley resigned today due to reported White House pressure. FDL’s Michael Whitney writes that this means that White House now “owns the abuse” of Manning.

“Manning is alleged to have committed serious crimes,” Matt Yglesias writes, referring to Crowley’s abrupt resignation, adding, “The correct response would be to put him on trial. To hold a person without trial in solitary confinement under degrading conditions is a perversion of justice.”

Related Link: P.J. Crowley Talks About Bradley Manning Remarks