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July 13, 2011

U.N. Torture Expert Criticizes U.S. on Manning Access 
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The United Nations' top official on torture has expressed new concern
over the Obama administration's thwarting of his effort to meet with
alleged U.S. military whistleblower Army Private Bradley Manning. In a
statement released by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Juan Mendez says: "I need to ascertain whether the conditions he
was subjected to for several months in Quantico amounted to torture or
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. For that, it is
imperative that I talk to Mr. Manning under conditions where I can be
assured that he is being absolutely candid." Manning was transferred
from a prison at the Quantico Marine base in Virginia to Ft.
Leavenworth, Kansas, in April. It is widely believed he suffered extreme
and unusual confinement in Virgina, including denial of exercise, social
interaction, sunlight, and at times forced nudity.



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