Friday, April 12, 2013

Stop the media blackout on Bradley Manning’s trial!

chuck
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
Despite the unprecedented and historic nature of Army whistleblower Bradley Manning’s trial, journalists have thus far been banned from recording the proceedings. Because Americans more commonly get their news through television than from any other media source, this presents a major barrier to the American public staying informed on a trial that will profoundly affect the future of our country.
It’s outrageous that the American public is being denied the right to view the trial of U.S. vs. Bradley Manning. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel was appointed by President Obama to ensure civilian oversight of the U.S. military.
Sign our petition demanding that he ensure journalists can record Bradley Manning’s court martial proceedings! When you sign our petition, our e-mail system will send a message on your behalf to the office of Secretary of Defense.

Petition to allow journalists to record Bradley Manning's trial

A message for Sec. of Defense Chuck Hagel:
[signature]
Share this with your friends:

MORE INFORMATION

It’s a fundamental American principle that the legitimacy of our court system is bolstered through public and media access. This is not unlike how the legitimacy of our government itself relies on remaining accountable first and foremost to the American people who elect its leaders.
President Obama has been a proponent of transparency as fundamental to governmental legitimacy. On May 19, 2011 he said, “In the 21st Century, information is power; the truth cannot be hidden; and the legitimacy of governments will ultimately depend on active and informed citizens.”
As New York Times reporter David Carr wrote last month, the proceedings of US vs. Bradley Manning have been shrouded in a “veil of secrecy.” Neither court documents nor transcripts are being made publicly available until weeks after they are filed, if ever. The first step to improving the fairness and legitimacy of Bradley Manning’s trial would be to allow digital recordings by which journalists, scholars and the public can analyze and evaluate these unprecedented proceedings.
The Bradley Manning Support Network has worked to document the many injustices in the prosecution of three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Bradley Manning, including his unlawful pretrial punishment, denial of speedy trial, and the ridiculous charge of “aiding the enemy,” despite any evidence that Bradley’s actions damaged U.S. national security. While we continue advocating for whistleblower Bradley Manning’s rights in all areas, we believe that ensuring full media access to the trial will help immensely in promoting interest in the case among the general American public.

No comments:

Post a Comment