Bradley Manning, born in the US of a Welsh born mother and American father holds dual citizenship. Consequently, Manning is entitled to all the protections to UK citizens imprisoned in foreign countries. Manning has been subjected to solitary confinement for several months causing a deterioration in his mental condition and impairing his ability to fully participate in his own defense.
Amnesty International tonight called on the government to intervene on Manning’s behalf and demand that the conditions of his detention, which the organisation calls “harsh and punitive”, are in line with international standards.
Amnesty’s UK director, Kate Allen, said: “His Welsh parentage means the UK government should demand his ‘maximum custody’ status does not impair his ability to defend himself, and we would also like to see Foreign Office officials visiting him just as they would any other British person detained overseas and potentially facing trial on very serious charges.”
Clive Stafford Smith, director of Reprieve, which provides legal assistance to those facing capital punishment and secret imprisonment, likened the conditions under which Manning is held to those in Guantánamo Bay.
Manning’s treatment is considered inhumane and unnecessary, particularly as he hasn’t been convicted of any crime.
