Congressman Mike Rogers, who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, told a Michigan radio station that he thinks Pfc. Bradley Manning, if found guilty of giving classified military videos and documents to Wikileaks, should be executed for treason.

Manning (left), the private who allegedly used his security clearances to provide Wikileaks with the "Collateral Murder" video of a messy U.S. assault in Iraq and is a prime suspect over the leaking of tens of thousands of Afghan war diaries, is currently in solitary confinement in Virginia, awaiting all of his indictments. Rogers thinks his violations may constitute federal treason.

From the Livingston Daily Press & Argus in Michigan:

Rogers said Manning put "tens of thousands" of American military members and allies abroad in danger by his actions.

"He clearly aided the enemy to what may result in the death of U.S. soldiers or those cooperating. If that is not a capital offense, I don't know what is," Rogers said.

Manning didn't directly "aid the enemy," assuming he did leak the Afghan war diaries. He didn't swing by the Taliban's place and give 'em all sorts of tips and medicines and delicious sandwiches and strategy memos. Here's U.S. Code on treason:

§ 2381. Treason

Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

Manning gave documents to Wikileaks for the purpose of shedding transparency on the wars. Is that enough for treason?