Chelsea Manning Facing Punishment After Suicide Attempt

Early in July, news broke that convicted whistleblower Chelsea Manning had attempted to take her own life. Almost a week later, Manning reported via social media that she was “okay” and “glad to be alive.” But in the days since, Army officials have made it clear that Manning will face consequences after her suicide attempt.

According to a press release from the American Civil Liberties Union:

If convicted of these “administrative offenses,” she could be placed in indefinite solitary confinement for the remainder of her decades-long sentence. …

These new charges, which Army employees verbally informed Chelsea were related to the July 5th incident, include, “resisting the force cell move team;” “prohibited property;” and “conduct which threatens.” If convicted, Chelsea could face punishment including indefinite solitary confinement, reclassification into maximum security, and an additional nine years in medium custody. They may negate any chances of parole.

In addition to these new charges, The Army continues to deny Chelsea access to basic health care, including inadequate medical treatment after her suicide attempt.

Manning dictated the entire charge sheet via phone to a supporter—it can be read in full here.

“The government has long been aware of Chelsea’s distress associated with the denial of medical care related to her gender transition and yet delayed and denied the treatment recognized as necessary,” ACLU staff attorney Chase Strangio said in the press release. Manning has not commented publicly on the charges except to retweet the ACLU’s press release.

According to CNN, Manning was moved to a hospital near the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where she is serving a 35-year sentence for providing WikiLeaks with government documents.

Just last year, the Army reportedly agreed to provide Manning — formerly Bradley Manning, who lived as a male until recent years — with hormone therapy, but the ACLU has filed a lawsuit on her behalf to demand further medical care for her gender transition.

—Posted by Emma Niles