Army Private Bradley Manning describes pre-trial treatment, solitary confinement at military hearing

Private Bradley Manning returned to the witness stand today to describe harsh treatment and isolation while in military custody. It’s part of a pre-trial hearing taking place this week at Fort Meade, Maryland. Manning is accused of releasing classified information to Wikileaks. He faces 22 charges. Manning’s defense calls his treatment unlawful pretrial punishment and is asking the judge to dismiss charges or reduce sentencing. Manning was held on prevention of injury status, or POI, which the government says was necessary to ensure his safety, despite recommendations against it from medical professionals.
The army private has been detained since May 2010, 265 days of which were in solitary confinement. For more, we go to Kevin Gosztola co-author of "Truth & Consequences: The U.S. vs. Bradley Manning." He’s also covering the Manning trial at Firedoglake.com.