Chelsea manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison in August 2013. She was convicted of leaking classified military documents to WikiLeaks. She will now be released in four months instead of in 2024.
Chelsea manning is a trans women, formerly known as Bradley Manning. She attempted suicide twice last year and went on a hunger strike. She protested until doctors allowed her to receive gender reassignment surgery.
Many people have spoken up for Chelsea including Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. Last week Julian Assange agreed to be extradited to the U.S. if Obama commuted Chelsea’s sentence. Edward Snowden called on Obama to release Chelsea Manning earlier this month.
Mr. President, if you grant only one act of clemency as you exit the White House, please: free Chelsea Manning. You alone can save her life.
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 11, 2017
Chelsea’s lawyer David Coombs told the BBC that “It really is a great act of mercy by President Obama. For myself and Chelsea, I’m very thankful he took that option. I don’t think she should have spent a single day in prison”.
Chelsea leaked more than 700,00 secret military documents and videos. One video showing an Apache helicopter killing 12 people in Baghdad in 2007. Republican senator John McCain said that he believes this is a “grave mistake” and that “will encourage further acts of espionage.”
Many are now waiting on Obama to pardon Edward Snowden during his last few days, especially because Trump has been harsh on Snowden.
This is a huge victory for the American people and a great move for Obama. Chelsea’s human rights have been violated during the last few years and this could possibly save her life.
