Chelsea Manning, the former soldier who leaked the the vast trove of material known as the Wikleaks cables, says she refused to talk this week to a grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia.
Manning confirmed that the questioning concerned her actions in 2010.. The grand jury investigation is believed to be related to the investigation of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Manning has already testified extensively on her actions and regards the latest summons from the government as harassment.
On Thursday, Manning released this statement.
“Yesterday, I appeared before a secret grand jury after being given immunity for my testimony. 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. 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.’
There was little downside to Manning in testifying. With immunity, she is insulated from any legal repercussions from what she might say.
Nonetheless, Manning declined to answer, risking possible contempt of court charges.
“In solidarity with many activists facing the odds, I will stand by my principles. I will exhaust every legal remedy available. My legal team continues to challenge the secrecy of these proceedings, and I am prepared to face the consequences of my refusal.”
On Friday, the judge will hold a hearing on the legal basis of Manning’s refusal to testify.
Chelsea Manning is represented by Moira Meltzer-Cohen, appellate attorney Vincent Ward, and local counsel Chris Leibig and Sandra Freeman.
