Army Pfc. Bradley Manning was sentenced on Wednesday to 35 years in prison for giving hundreds of thousands of secret military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks. Manning’s case has become one of the nation’s largest leak cases since the Pentagon Papers.
Manning, 25, stood at attention in his dress uniform and showed no emotion as military judge Col. Denise Lind announced the sentence without explanation.
“I’m shocked. I did not think she would do that,” said Manning supporter Jim Holland, of San Diego. “Thirty-five years, my Lord.”
The former intelligence analyst was found guilty of 20 crimes, including six violations of the Espionage Act. He was acquitted of the most serious charge, aiding the enemy, which could have resulted in life imprisonment without parole.
Manning could have received 90 years behind bars. Prosecutors asked for 60 years as a warning to other soldiers. Manning’s lawyer suggested 25 years since some of the documents leaked would be declassified by then.
Manning was also demoted to private and dishonorably discharged.
