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April 18, 2013

Military Appeals Court Rejects Secrecy Challenge in Manning Trial 
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A military appeals court has rejected a lawsuit to challenge government
secrecy in the trial of Army whistleblower Bradley Manning. Brought on
behalf of a group of journalists, the lawsuit had sought open access to
court documents, transcripts and judicial arguments. But in a three to
two decision, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rejected the
challenge, citing a lack of jurisdiction until the trial is complete. In
a statement, the Center for Constructional Rights said: "Today’s
decision flies in the face of decades of First Amendment rulings in the
federal courts that hold ... that the accuracy of court proceedings
depends on their being open. Bradley Manning's trial will now take place
under conditions where journalists and the public will be unable to
follow what is going on in the courtroom."

 

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