Chelsea Manning Will Not Be Going to Solitary Over Magazines and Toothpaste
Last week, whistleblower Chelsea Manning—currently serving 35 years in Fort Leavenworth military prison—was facing indefinite solitary confinement for possession of expired toothpaste and contraband books and magazines, notably Vanity Fair’s Caitlyn Jenner issue. Manning was convicted of all charges Tuesday, her attorney said, but she won’t be sent to solitary.
Although the Army hasn’t released any information about what happened at Manning’s four-hour disciplinary hearing, ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio confirmed his client will be restricted from using the gym, the library, and outdoor areas for 21 days.
The sentence could be used against her at future parole or clemency hearings, Strangio noted.
The charges against Manning included disrespect, possession of prohibited property (the books and magazines), sweeping food onto the floor, and medicine misuse (over the expired toothpaste).
Manning initially said through her supporters that she was denied access to the prison’s legal library in the days leading up to her hearing, and one of her criminal defense attorneys said her lawyers were barred from attending the hearing.
Manning’s supporters collected an estimated 100,000 signatures on a petition to keep her out of solitary confinement.
[Portrait of Chelsea Manning by Alicia Neal via chelseamanning.org]