WikiLeaks Whistleblower Begins Hunger Strike in Prison
WikiLeaks Whistleblower Chelsea Manning Begins Hunger Strike in Prison
WikiLeaks whistleblower Chelsea Manning is demanding written assurances from the Army she will receive all of the medically prescribed recommendations for her gender dysphoria and that the “high tech bullying” will stop.
“High tech bullying,” is what Chelsea describes as “the constant, deliberate and overzealous administrative scrutiny by prison and military officials.”
Chelsea Manning, a trans woman, is a United States Army soldier who was convicted by court-martial in July 2013 of violations of the Espionage Act and other offenses.
It was alleged that Chelsea had disclosed to WikiLeaks nearly three-quarters of a million classified or unclassified but sensitive military and diplomatic documents.
Following her sentencing, Chelsea had requested that the US Government give her treatment for her gender dysphoria.
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Over a year later, Chelsea filed a lawsuit in September of 2014, where she sued the government to get a battery of treatments. As a result, she began hormone therapy in February of 2015.
However, the military has been making her cut her hair to the male length and grooming standards. As part of her treatment, her doctors recommended that she follow the military prison’s female hair grooming standards.
In September of 2015 she amended her lawsuit, asking that the government allow her to grow her hair. The government’s response in December 2015 was “no.” The case is still active before a DC District court judge.
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In a statement released Friday about her hunger strike to protest bullying by prison and US Government, Chelsea said “I am no longer asking. Now, I am demanding. As of 12:01 am Central Daylight Time on September 9, 2016, and until I am given minimum standards of dignity, respect, and humanity, I shall—refuse to voluntarily cut or shorten my hair in any way; consume any food or drink voluntarily, except for water and currently prescribed medications; and comply with all rules, regulations, laws, and orders that are not related to the two things I have mentioned.”
Meanwhile, the US presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein calls to free alleged WikiLeaks whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
I demand justice for @xychelsea. No one should be jailed for telling the truth, then denied healthcare. #hungerstrike
— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) September 10, 2016
“I demand justice for Chelsea. No one should be jailed for telling the truth, then denied healthcare,” said Jill Stein in her tweet.
Chelsea Manning, earlier named as Bradley Edward Manning, was sentenced in August 2013 to 35 years imprisonment. Manning was diagnosed with gender identity disorder while in the Army.
Photo courtesy: Chelsea Manning website
