After her recent suicide attempt, Chelsea Manning may face charges that could lead to solitary confinement, and possible transfer to a maximum-security prison.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, Manning was under investigation for “resisting the force cell move team”, “prohibited security” and “conduct which threatens”, related to her suicide attempt earlier this month. Since trying to take her own life at Fort Leavenworth military prison she has been receiving medical care, according to her lawyers.
The U.S soldier is currently serving 35 years in prison for leaking state secrets to the whistleblowing website Wikileaks. She was convicted for Theft of Government information and violations of the Espionage Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Under new “administrative offenses”, Manning could be see indefinite solitary confinement, time in a maximum-security prison and nine years added to her sentence without the possibility of parole.
ACLU staff attorney Chase Strangio said in a press release: “It is deeply troubling that Chelsea is now being subjected to an investigation and possible punishment for her attempt to take her life. The government has long been aware of Chelsea’s distress associated with the denial of medical care related to her gender transition, and yet delayed and denied the treatment recognized as necessary.
“Now, while Chelsea is suffering the darkest depression she has experienced since her arrest, the government is taking actions to punish her for that pain. It is unconscionable, and we hope that the investigation is immediately ended and that she is given the health care that she needs to recover,” Strangio added.
Manning previously filed an appeal against her sentencing in May, describing it as “grossly unfair”. She’s also fighting to live under her rightful gender identity.
Recently, she penned a candid, moving essay on gender identity and life after her sentencing.
