AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Monday, April 01, 2013

International protests on Bradley Manning’s 1000th day jailed without trial. Photos, videos, reports.

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A video of Feb. 23rd events prepared by supporters in Berlin (@freebradde on Twitter)

It was a historic week. Leading up to last week’s pre-trial hearing at Fort Meade, supporters staged over 70 events internationally in support of Bradley Manning on his 1000th day in prison without trial. The actions were an enormous success raising awareness of the government’s persecution of Bradley Manning, while at the same time waking up the media prior to one of the most important pre-trial hearings thus far. And while Judge Lind ruled against the defense motion to dismiss the charges due to the lack of a speedy trial, Bradley Manning issued a powerful statement denying most of the government charges against him, while accepting responsibility for having released documents to WikiLeaks as an act of conscience. News coverage of this historic event was significantly improved thanks to the phenomenal grass roots support demonstrated internationally.

Supporters did incredible work disseminating information face to face, holding signs, organizing music and theatre events, street performances, and by taking action online. Beyond waking up the media, thousands of people became aware of Bradley Manning at the demonstrations through these direct actions of supporters.
Events took place globally:
North America
Tucson, AZ, Tempe, AZ, Guerneville, CA, Cahuenga (L.A.), CA, Los Angeles, CA, Long Beach (L.A.), CA, Montrose (L.A.), CA, Studio City (L.A.), CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Washington, DC, Washington, DC, Daytona, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Pensacola, FL, St. Petersburg, FL, Tallahassee, FL, Hilo, HI , Honolulu, HI, Chicago, IL, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, New Orleans, LA, Boston, MA, Augusta, ME, Portland, ME, Detroit, MI, Kalamazoo, MI, Minneapolis, MN, Wilmington, NC, Eatentown, NJ, Highland Park, NJ, Albuquerque, NM, Santa Fe, NM, New York, NY, Rochester, NY, Toledo, OH, Corvallis, OR, Philadelphia, PA, Newport, RI, Austin, TX, Houston, TX, Norfolk, VA, Bristol, VT, Bellingham, WA, Seattle, WA
International
Brisbane, Australia, Melbourne, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Brussels, Belgium ,Vancouver, Canada, Paris, France, Berlin, Germany, Kaiserslautern, Germany, Rome, Italy, The Hague, Netherlands, Oslo, Norway, Oporto, Portugal, Seoul, South Korea, Kampala, Uganda, Dublin, Ireland, Birmingham, UK, Edinburgh, Scotland, London, UK, Peterborough, UK, Yorkshire, UK, Fairford, UK, Bangor, Wales, Cardiff, Wales, Newport, Wales, Wrexham, Wales, Wales/Ireland/Scotland/England
Public support has, and continues to play a critical role in this trial. In light of Bradley Manning’s statement taking responsibility, the government’s decision to prosecute the greater charges, particularly “aiding the enemy,” is ridiculous, irresponsible and wrong. We must pressure the government to do the right thing: drop the charges against Bradley Manning. On June 1st, days before Bradley Manning’s court martial, the Bradley Manning Support Network is calling for an international day of action. Please keep up the fight. Join us June 1st for a day of action at Fort Meade, and worldwide.