Manning’s First Day in Court

Last weekend marked Bradley Manning’s 1,oooth day of incarceration, today was his second day in court, truly a week of milestones.

Without trial and gagged since May 2010, the US Army private is accused of providing secret documents to WikiLeaks, and today he finally got his day in court – well first day – he also managed to squeeze out a few words.

Manning pleaded guilty to 10 charges of misusing classified material he felt “should become public,” he has however denied a dozen charges of aiding the enemy.

Private First Class Bradley Manning, 25, entered a guilty pleas at today’s pre-trial hearing, prior to his court martial, which is set to begin on June 3, in a case that centres on the biggest leak of government secrets in US history.

In September last year, Manning’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss all charges with prejudice, arguing that Manning has been unable to obtain a speedy trial. The motion claimed that the then 845 days he’d spent in pre-trial incarceration was much longer than periods that the Court of Appeals had previously found to be facially unreasonable. The U.S. military requires a trial within 120 days :: Read the full article »»»»

Japan Halts Whale Hunting

Anti-whaling activists Sea Shepherd are claiming victory after Japan temporarily suspended its annual whale hunt in the Southern Ocean.

The anti-whaling group claimed two of its boats, the Steve Irwin and the Bob Barker, were rammed by a Japanese ship in Australian Antarctic waters. It said the attacks happened after they were ordered to leave the area by one of the boats in the Japanese whaling fleet.

It also claimed armed Japanese coastguards threw “concussion grenades” at activists on the ships. Japan’s fisheries agency has denied those reports, but confirmed that one of its factory ships, the Nisshin Maru, rammed two boats belonging to Sea Shepherd.

Japan’s Institute of Cetacean Research has announced it has stopped work for the time being because it is too difficult to refuel. However, it said the clashes happened after activists came too close to a Japanese vessel which was refuelling :: Read the full article »»»»

Julian Assange’s Christmas Message

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has announced the release of files affecting ‘every country in the world’ in his second public appearance since seeking asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

In a Christmas message marking six months since he entered the embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden over claims of rape and sexual assault, Mr Assange said the door was open to negotiations to resolve the situation. Speaking to an audience of around 100 supporters, Mr Assange said it had been a ‘huge year’ for his anti-secrecy website.

“Next year will be equally busy,” Our Julian said. ”WikiLeaks has already over one million documents being prepared to be released, documents that affect every country in the world.”

Mr Assange thanked Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa for granting him asylum and hit out at the United States and other Western governments :: Read the full article »»»»

Julian Assange Confirms New Australian WikiLeaks Political Party

Julian Assange says he intends to run for a Senate seat in the next election, with plans for an Australian WikiLeaks party “significantly advanced”. The Australian has been holed up in Ecuador’s London embassy since June in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over sexual assault allegations.

Mr Assange is concerned that if he goes to Sweden, authorities will allow him to be extradited to the United States to be questioned over WikiLeaks’ release of thousands of US diplomatic cables.

Mr Assange has told Fairfax Media he intends to push ahead with previously-announced plans to run for the Australian Senate. He said he had not yet registered to vote, but told Fairfax he believes he will be able to register in either New South Wales or Victoria as an overseas voter.

Mr Assange said a “strategic decision” would determine which state he would run to represent. He also said “a number of very worthy people admired by the Australian public” have expressed interest in standing for a yet-to-be registered Australian WikiLeaks party :: Read the full article »»»»

Sea Shepherd Skipper Back Onboard

Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson, who is wanted by Interpol, has confirmed he is back onboard a vessel and ready to confront Japanese whalers. The Canadian conservationist’s whereabouts have been a mystery since July when he jumped bail in Germany, where he was arrested on charges stemming from a high-seas confrontation over shark finning in 2002 :: Read the full article »»»»

Yoko Ono Awards Pussy Riot Peace Prize

The eleventh wonder of the world, Yoko Ono has awarded a peace prize to Russian band Pussy Riot at a ceremony attended by the husband and daughter of one of the jailed punk rockers :: Read the full article »»»»