MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF GREEK CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
ON 20 MARCH 2011, INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR BRADLEY MANNING
The Association of Greek Conscientious Objectors wishes to express its solidarity to Bradley Manning and protest his inhumane pre-trial punishment by the U.S. authorities. As Amnesty International stated, the repressive conditions imposed on Manning breach the US's obligations to treat detainees with humanity and dignity.
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It’s unacceptable that although Manning has not been
convicted of any offence, USA punish him like this while in detention,
undermining United States’ commitment to the principle of the
presumption of innocence.
·
It’s unacceptable that Manning is classed as a "maximum
custody" detainee, despite having no history of violence or disciplinary
offences in custody.
·
It’s unacceptable that Manning is detained under a
Prevention of Injury assignment, despite a recommendation from his
official military psychiatrist that this is not necessary.
·
It’s unacceptable that there have been no formal reasons
given for Manning's maximum custody and POI status, yet his lawyers'
attempts to challenge the restrictions have been ignored by the
authorities.
·
Finally it’s unacceptable that Manning is still in
isolation and prolonged cellular confinement, which can cause
psychological impairment and undermine Manning's ability to defend
himself.
The Association of Greek Conscientious Objectors wishes to thank the Bradley Manning Support Network and Payday. We have translated in greek the press release from the Bradley Manning Support Network and we are publishing it today in Greece so that more people learn about this case and join the campaign.
Manning is not alone!