Posted on 08/14/2013 5:56:23 PM PDT by lbryce
Bradley Manning took the stand again on Wednesday and spoke for the second time in the more than three years since his arrest. This time, he said he was sorry.
"I want to start off with an apology," Manning told the military judge in a brief two-minute statement. "Im sorry that my actions hurt people. Im sorry that they hurt the United States [...] I understood what I was doing, and decisions I made. However, I did not fully appreciate the broader effects of my actions."
See also: Bradley Manning: the Movie?
Manning delivered his statement during the last day of the sentencing phase of his court martial, where he potentially faces 90 years in prison after he was found guilty of espionage.
According to multiple news reports, Manning leaked thousands of secret documents to WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, but while he claimed to regret those decisions, he said he made them in good faith.
"When I made these decisions I believed they would help people, not hurt people,"
"When I made these decisions I believed they would help people, not hurt people," he said, according to a transcript from the court published by The Guardian.
His words may come as a surprise, given the fact that in his previous only public appearance until today he seemed rather unapologetic.
During the pretrial hearings, he stepped up as WikiLeaks' source and said he believed the leaked documents were "some of most important documents of our time."
This time, however, he showed regret.
"I look back at my decisions and wonder, 'How on earth could I, a junior analyst, possibly believe I could change the world for the better over the decisions of those with the proper authority?' In retrospect I should have worked more aggressively inside the system," Manning said. "I had options, and I should have used these options."
Finally, Manning added that he hoped to get out of prison and earn a college degree, spend time with his family and contribute to society. He pleaded for a short sentence.
"I hope you can give me the opportunity to prove not through words, but through conduct that I am a good person," he said, "and that I can return to a productive place in society."
Since Manning's statement was not sworn, the prosecution could not cross-examine him. Manning's lawyer David E. Coombs is currently addressing the judge before resting the defense's case. We will update this story as it develops.
I think I speak for a majority of Americans when I say, Bradley Manning, Apology Not Accepted.
He certainly seems sorry to me.
You bet he’s sorry...that he was convicted and is now possibly looking at spending the balance of his life in Leavenworth...which he deserves.
sorry....no shorter sentence for you....you infiltrated on a gay issue...just another perv
He aided the enemy in time of war. Hang him.
Too little too late. Hang him high.....traitor.
they always say “sorry” in the end, but he wasn’t sorry when this scumbag was leaking secrets left and right. Shoot the bastard.
I find it interesting Manning’s lawyer is blaming “gender disorder” when that is now a celebrated trait in today’s military.
OK Bradley.
Now atone for 50 years or more.
Nah.. If you spoke for the majority of Americans, your response would be, “B-r-r-r-r-p-p-p!! ... Huh???”
Max prison, and throw the little faggot down with the sodomites.
IIRC, Paula Deen apologized, too.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.