MANNING HIMSELF is now experiencing the savage behavior of the Pentagon.
Manning has been in solitary confinement for more than seven months at a Marine brig in Quantico, Va. During that time, he has been subject to ongoing harsh treatment that, according to many experts, would rise to the level of torture under the Geneva Conventions (which Manning is not subject to, as he is not a prisoner of war).
This includes being confined to a 6-by-12-foot cell for 23 hours each day, constantly watched on video cameras, denied physical exercise and articles of clothing and bedding, denied sleep during the day and repeatedly woken by guards throughout the night.
The military claims Manning's treatment is standard for "prevention of injury" watch and that he is treated the same as any other detainee at Quantico--but these punitive measures are clearly designed to break his spirit.
Just 24 hours after being informed that he now faces a potential death sentence, Manning was reportedly forced to strip in his cell, and then left naked for more than seven hours overnight. When it came time for his "morning inspection" at 5 a.m., Manning was forced to stand, naked, outside of his cell and submit to inspection. He has had to undergo this humiliation every day since.
According to lawyer David Coombs, Marine spokesperson 1st Lt. Brian Villiard said "the decision to strip him naked every night is for Pfc. Manning's own protection. Villiard stated that it would be 'inappropriate' to explain what prompted these actions."