Press Release from Chelsea Manning and her legal team early this morning
6:50am May 17, 2017
Today, Chelsea Manning was safely released from U.S. military prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Said Chelsea Manning:
“After another anxious four months of waiting, the day has finally arrived. I am looking forward to so much! Whatever is ahead of me, is far more important than the past. I’m figuring things out right now–which is exciting, awkward, fun, and all new for me.”
Chelsea Manning has released her first photo, of her first steps as a free woman on Twitter @xychelsea, and on Instagram @xychelsea87
The post accompanying the photo reads: “first steps of freedom!! ^_^ #chelseaisfree.”
Nancy Hollander and Vincent Ward, Manning’s clemency and appellate lawyers, said in a joint statement:
“We are able to confirm that Chelsea Manning has been released safely from military prison. Thank you to everyone for ensuring her safe release and respecting her privacy as she starts to adjust to life outside of prison and rebuild her life following seven years of confinement. Chelsea has expressed her deep appreciation to her supporters and looks forward to the future.”
Chase Strangio, staff attorney with the ACLU, had the following reaction:
“It is incredible to witness Chelsea Manning’s freedom after having seen and worked with her behind bars for four years. We can all finally truly celebrate the strength and heroism she has shown in surviving and sharing her truth and life with all of us. Through extended periods of solitary confinement and up against the government’s insistence on denying her medical care and existence as a woman, Chelsea has emerged with grace, resilience, and an inspiring amount of love for others. I am humbled to fight alongside such a fierce advocate for justice.”
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Kevin Zeese, Presente! (1955-2020)
Last week we were shocked to hear of the sudden passing of our friend Kevin Zeese. Online tribute to be held September 19th.
Update from Chelsea Manning
“Thank you, truly, for your unwavering love and support during this entire ordeal. You enabled Chelsea to maintain her principled stance.”
Chelsea Manning is free and quarter million in fines paid!
Our community has stepped up to cover Chelsea’s fines. We’re at $255,000 of the $265,000 goal, in just 24 hours!
Chelsea Manning on her opposition to the grand jury process
“I object to the use of grand juries … to frighten journalists and publishers, who serve a crucial public good.”
Chelsea Manning from jail pledges continued grand jury refusal
“Nothing that will convince me to testify before this or any other grand jury for that matter.” – Chelsea Manning
Free Chelsea Manning (again)!
Jailed for refusing to collaborate with the WikiLeaks grand jury, Chelsea declared “I will not comply with this, or any other grand jury.”
“In a society like the US where virtually every foreign intervention, everywhere, is grotesquely illegal and criminal, the most effective resistance is from the soldiers themselves…”
