Though he faces several years, or even life in prison for allegedly divulging classified government information to WikiLeaks, Bradley Manning may eventually run for office.
Manning's attorney, David Coombs, spoke publicly for the first time regarding his client's case at a church in Washington, D.C., in front of about 100 people. Manning, a gay Army private and intelligence analyst, was arrested and then jailed from July 2010 to April 2011 in Quantico, a Marine Corps brig, where many believe he was subjected to harsh, or even inhumane treatment. He was later moved to Fort Levenworth in Kansas.
"Brad's treatment at Quantico will forever be etched in our nation's history as a disgraceful moment in time," Coombs said according to Politico. "Not only was it stupid and counterproductive, it was criminal."
Manning is currently waiting for a court martial early next year on charges of aiding the enemy, disclosing classified information to unauthorized individuals, and disobeying orders, according to the report. He has entered guilty pleas on some charges, but the military has not accepted them.
Coombs said his client is "very encouraged" by the court martial process, and may someday "join some kind of campaign group, go into public service, and perhaps one day run for public office."
