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Chelsea Manning: Whistleblower and Activist

Chelsea Manning's Background

Chelsea Elizabeth Manning (born Bradley Edward Manning on December 17, 1987) is an American activist and whistleblower. A former United States Army soldier, Manning gained notoriety for disclosing classified information to WikiLeaks in 2010.

Whistleblower Actions

As an Army intelligence analyst deployed in Iraq, Manning questioned the ethics of the wars and decided to leak classified materials to expose war crimes and abuses of power. In 2010, she provided WikiLeaks with over 700,000 military and diplomatic documents, including the "Afghan War Logs" and "Iraq War Logs."

Significance of Leak

Manning's leak had a profound impact, sparking global debate about war, transparency, and the role of whistleblowers. It exposed American military and diplomatic strategies, human rights violations, and the extent of civilian casualties.

Consequences and Imprisonment

Manning's actions were met with severe consequences. She was apprehended in 2010, tried and convicted under the Espionage Act in 2013. Sentenced to 35 years in prison, Manning served seven before being granted clemency by President Barack Obama in 2017.

Continued Activism

Since her release, Manning has continued her activism, advocating for civil liberties, transparency, and the rights of whistleblowers. She has spoken publicly about her experience, the importance of accountability, and the need for a more just and equitable society.

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