Bradley Manning Support Network

http://bradleymanning.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 3, 2011

Contact: Zack Pesavento

press (at) bradleymanning.org

U.N. Investigator Says Administration Refuses to Deliver "Day of Reckoning" on Torture of Bradley Manning

Juan Mendez: "Justice, even if it comes late, will come"

Speaking today at an online book discussion, Juan Mendez, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, admonished the Obama administration for its lack of a response to requests for a meeting with Bradley Manning. Responding to questions posed from bloggers and readers at an online forum hosted by FireDogLake, Mr. Mendez emphasized that "issues of accountability do not go away" -- despite the fact that the administration has stopped exchanging information with him.

The full text of the discussion is available at FireDogLake:

http://fdlbooksalon.com/2011/12/03/fdl-book-salon-welcomes-juan-e-mendez-and-marjory-wentworth/

As part of a discussion on Mendez's new book on the issue of torture, the following selected remarks pertain directly to PFC Manning:

Jason Leopold:

"Juan has spoken about this previously, and its one issue that is a matter of controversy here, and that is the treatment of Bradley Manning. Do you believe his treatment rose to the level of abuse? Additionally, Juan, have you had any further communication with US government officials about Mr. Manning?"

Juan Mendez:

"I engaged the US Govt as the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture because of the allegation that he was being held in solitary confinement. I have to say that I had frank conversation with the Dept of Defense about the conditions of his incarceration. I was allowed to see him but with no guarantees of confidentiality, terms that I could not accept. I offered to see Manning nonetheless, through his lawyer, if he wanted to see me, but he prefered not to waive his right to a truly private conversation. In the meantime, when he was moved from Quantico to Fort Leavenworth, his conditions changed and since last April he is no longer in solitary confinement. I am still insiting [sic] on seeing him. In a few weeks I will release my views on the case, since the exchange of information with the USG is essentially over."

Jane Hamsher:

"...what do you feel about Bradley Manning’s situation? And what does it say about the system that won’t let you see him?"

Mr. Mendez:

"None of us can really hold our breath while we wait for the USG to live up to its obligation to investigate, prosecute and punish every act of torture committed by its agents. The lack of delivery on the promise to have a day of reckoning is truly disappointing. But again, experience shows that issues of accountability do not go away. Of course, it is preferable to have accountability in real time. But justice, even if it comes late, will come and be welcome."

The comments by the United Nations' chief torture investigator follow a release of additional information from PFC Manning's lead counsel, David Coombs, about the witnesses the defense team plans to call. He posted a partially redacted witness list on his blog:

http://www.armycourtmartialdefense.info/2011/12/defense-witness-list.html