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Congressman Dennis Kucinich Requests Visit with Bradley Manning

Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has made a request to see Bradley Manning, the soldier who is suspected of leaking classified documents to Julian Assange and Wikileaks. In a letter that he recently sent to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Kucinich voiced his concerns about the army’s treatment of Manning and the effects of solitary confinement on prisoners. Kucinich requested a visit with the soldier at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia.

Here is Rep. Kucinich’s letter:

February 4, 2011

The Honorable Robert C. Gates
Secretary of Defense
U.S. Department of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-0001

Dear Secretary Gates:

I write to request that I be able to visit Private First Class Bradley Manning at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia.

As you know, I am concerned about reports of his treatment while in custody that describe alarming abuses of his constitutional rights and his physical health. A March 2009 article by surgeon Atul Gawande discusses the effects of solitary confinement on prison inmates and prisoners of war: “Without sustained social interaction, the human brain may become as impaired as one that has incurred a traumatic injury.” Studies highlighted that such prisoners, months after being released, revealed severe brain abnormalities mirroring those who had endured significant physical head trauma[1] .

Private Manning’s guilt or innocence is a question for adjudication and his treatment at Quantico severely undermines the presumption of innocence as enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and raises questions as to whether he is truly able to stand trial. His care while in the custody of the Department of Defense is the responsibility of the U.S. Government and as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform it is my duty to conduct effective oversight.

Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely,

Dennis J. Kucinich
Member of Congress

Sources
Think Progress
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich

41 thoughts on “Congressman Dennis Kucinich Requests Visit with Bradley Manning”

  1. Jonathan,
    How many of our High School Grads actually
    follow your accomplishments and the good work you have done?
    I remember your first interview on PBS MacNeil/ Lehrer News Hour.
    when you advocated for the Area 51 workers exposed to toxic and undisclosed Chemicals.
    Padraig “76.
    PS. As for Rep. Kucinich’s inquiry into the torture of Bradley Manning. I hope you will follow up on this legal battle.

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