David Coombs
If not for the efforts of Jeff Paterson and the Manning Support Network and Courage to Resist there’s no way that a president would spend the political capital to grant a commutation [to Chelsea Manning].
From the May 14, 2017, Courage to Resist podcast with David Coombs:
“Because of our trial strategy [US v Manning], and then more importantly, because of the efforts outside of the courtroom in positively portraying Manning, the message that was put out was that this is not the type of person who deserves 35 years. Ultimately, even though a judge was not convinced of that, a President of the United States was. And if not for the efforts of Jeff Paterson and the Manning Support Network and Courage to Resist, there’s no way that a president would spend the political capital to grant a commutation.”
David Coombs was the lead court martial defense attorney for Chelsea Manning. He spent twelve years on active duty service with the US Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and is now a civilian defense attorney representing only US Army soldiers.
“Since the day I surrendered to military custody after refusing to return to Iraq, Courage to Resist has been there for me and my family as a constant fountain of support.”
