Chelsea Manning Released But May Head Back To Jail

Trans whistleblower Chelsea Manning was released from federal custody Thursday after two months. But she may end up in jail again soon.

Manning spent 62 days in jail for being held in contempt of court after refusing to testify to a grand jury about WikiLeaks.

"Today marked the expiration of the term of the grand jury, and so, after 62 days of confinement, Chelsea was released from the Alexandria Detention Center earlier today," reads a statement from her legal team.

"Unfortunately, even prior to her release, Chelsea was served with another subpoena. This means she is expected to appear before a different grand jury, on Thursday, May 16, 2019, just one week from her release today."

Manning, who is represented by Moira Meltzer-Cohen, appellate attorney Vincent Ward, and local counsel Chris Leibig and Sandra Freeman, has no intention to testify following the new subpoena either.

"It is therefore conceivable that she will once again be held in contempt of court, and be returned to the custody of the Alexandria Detention Center, possibly as soon as next Thursday, May 16," the statement explains.

Manning, a former Army soldier, previously spent seven years in prison after she was arrested in 2010 for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. She personally was convicted on 20 charges, including violations of the federal Espionage Act, in 2013. While given a 35-year-sentence, President Obama commuted most of her sentence as one of his last acts in office.

But federal investigators have continued to call on Manning to provide more information about the leaks.

"Chelsea will continue to refuse to answer questions, and will use every available legal defense to prove to District Judge Trenga that she has just cause for her refusal to give testimony," the statement reads.