whistle-blower Army PFC Bradley Manning is finally represented by an
experienced and qualified civilian defense attorney.
After receiving a wide range of opinions from our Network, his
military defense JAGs, and a family member, Bradley has selected
attorney David Coombs of Providence, Rhode Island, to lead his legal
defense. Mr. Coombs has over a decade of experience as a military
trial lawyer and is a former law professor at the Judge Advocate
General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia.
“From our first communications with Bradley, back when he was still
jailed in Kuwait, we pledged to support and fund his choice of
civilian legal representation,” said Jeff Paterson, steering committee
member of the Bradley Manning Support Network, “We’re happy to begin
fulfilling that promise by transferring funds raised to Mr. Coombs for
his retainer and initial legal fees.”
A personal friend of Bradley’s personally verified his selection of
legal counsel during a recent visit at the Marine Corps brig at
Quantico, Virginia. Bradley appeared to be in good health and good
spirits, considering the situation. Bradley again expressed his deep
appreciation for the support and concern of so many.
Over 835 generous individuals have already donated $50,000 towards
Bradley Manning defense, of which $37,500 will go towards legal fees.
In addition to the tax-deductible defense fund, supporters now have
the option of making a non-deductible contribution directly to
Bradley’s IOLTA legal trust account which is managed by Mr. Coombs
under regulation of the American Bar Association. Our tax-deductible
defense fund allocates 25% of funds received for public education
(“Free Bradley Manning” leaflets, posters, etc.), non-profit fiscal
management fees, and credit card transaction fees. However, 100% of
IOLTA legal trust account contributions offset Bradley’s legal
expenses, which are estimated to eventually total $90,000.
To make a non-deductible contribution to the new legal trust account,
please make checks payable to “IOLTA / Manning” and mail to: Courage
to Resist, 484 Lake Park Ave #41, Oakland CA 94610.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the defense fund, please make
checks payable to “Courage to Resist”, note “Manning Defense” on the
memo line and mail to: Courage to Resist, 484 Lake Park Ave #41,
Oakland CA 94610. Or online at http://couragetoresist.org/
Days of Action, September 16-19, shaping up
The announcement of a civilian military attorney comes less than a
week after our Network announced the International Days of Action in
Support of Bradley Manning, September 16-19. Events and rallies have
already been confirmed for New York City NY, Oakland CA, San Diego CA,
Minneapolis MN, Houston TX, London UK, Olympia WA, Columbus OH, and
Quantico VA--near the Marine brig where Bradley is being is currently
being held in pre-trial confinement. It’s not too late to organize
something in your community! Email support [at] bradleymanning.org to
discuss your ideas and plans.
Advisory board formed
The Bradley Manning Support Network is also pleased to announce the
formation of an Advisory Board comprised of prominent individuals who
are widely respected for their efforts in resisting war, progressive
activism and in support of government transparency.
Medea Benjamin, founder of Code Pink: Women for Peace
Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, board member for the National Whistleblower Center
Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers whistle blower
Kathleen Gilberd, co-chair of the Military Law Task Force of the
National Lawyers Guild
Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and activist
Michael Moore, documentary filmmaker
Jose Vasquez, executive director of Iraq Veterans against the War
US Army Colonel Ann Wright (ret.), former US State Department official
Kevin Zeese, co-founder and executive director, Voters for Peace
Letters to Bradley
Hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals have sent mail to Bradley
at Quantico, and to Kuwait before that. Due to a strict interpretation
of confinement facility regulations, Bradley has not received a single
letter, and most letters have been returned to sender. This effort has
not been in vain as Bradley has been heartened by the mountain of
support--even if he is not been allowed to open the letters.
To send a message to Bradley, please send letters and postcards to
Bradley Manning, c/o Courage to Resist, 484 Lake Park Ave #41, Oakland
CA 94610. Letters will be opened, "contraband" discarded and the
letters then mailed in a weekly package to Bradley via an individual
currently on his approved brig correspondence list.
Blowing the whistle on war crimes is not a crime! Free Bradley Manning!
---
Bradley Manning Support Network
www.bradleymanning.org
No comments:
Post a Comment