Chelsea Manning has left military prison after seven years - but why is her release so controversial?

The US Army soldier was convicted of numerous crimes including espionage in 2013 after she passed military secrets to website Wikileaks.

The massive haul, believed to be the biggest breach of classified information in US military history, totalled 700,000 documents, diplomatic cables, videos and battlefield accounts.

The 29-year-old, who spent some time in Wales during her teenage years, leaked the data in 2010 while working as an intelligence analyst in Iraq.

:: Wikileaks whistleblower Chelsea Manning released from prison after seven years


At the time she was known as Private Bradley Manning, having since chosen to identify as a woman.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was thrust into the global spotlight as a result of the huge dump of information.

Following Manning's arrest the military charged her with aiding the enemy, which could have resulted in the death penalty.

A judge acquitted her of that charge but Manning was convicted of 17 other charges resulting in a 35-year jail sentence.

Manning had pleaded guilty to 10 charges, explaining she had passed on the information because Americans had a right to know the "true costs of war".

Some see Manning as an important whistleblower but others have denounced what they view as her treachery.

Manning was held at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, during which time she underwent gender transition but was denied permission to grow her hair.

She attempted suicide twice last year and also conducted a hunger strike.

In January this year, former US president Barack Obama commuted Manning's sentence in one of his last acts in the White House.

He described Manning's sentence as "very disproportionate" although Mr Obama's successor, Donald Trump, branded the soldier an "ungrateful traitor" who "should never have been released".

Manning has now walked free from prison after seven years and is expected to complete her gender transition now she is out of jail.

The US Army has confirmed Manning will remain an active duty soldier, although in an unpaid status.

Friends and family have organised a campaign to raise funds for Manning following her release, which has so far collected more than $147,000 (£114,000).

The money will pay for Manning's living expenses for her first year out of prison.

Few details about her release and immediate plans have been disclosed but it is believed Manning intends to eventually settle in Maryland where she has family.