http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57596093/bradley-manning-acquitted-of-aiding-the-enemy-for-giving-secrets-to-wikileaks/
Bradley Manning acquitted of aiding the enemy for giving secrets to WikiLeaks
Bradley Manning, the 25-year-old Army private who gave thousands of classified U.S. military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks, was acquitted of aiding the enemy in a military court-martial, but was convicted on multiple other counts.
As CBS News correspondent David Martin reported, Manning had chosen to have his fate decided by a judge, Army Col. Denise Lind, rather than a military jury. Col. Lind gave no explanation for her verdict or why she was not convinced by the government's contention that manning knew the material he provided to WikiLeaks would make its way to the enemy.
The charge of aiding the enemy was the most serious of 21 counts. It carried a possible life sentence without parole.
I can tell you why he was acquitted of that charge. I pointed it out in reference to Snowdon. The U.S. is not in a state of war, and one can't 'aid an enemy' that hasn't been declared or a war that hasn't been declared. Ole' .gov doesn't want to open that can of worms in regards to either Manning or Snowdon.
Quote from: Y on July 08, 2013, 12:11:23 PM
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/part-I/chapter-115
18 USC § 2381 - Treason
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
The Constitution of the United States
Article. I.: Section. 8.:
The Congress shall have Power To: ...To declare War...
1. Treason requires we be at war.
2. Congress has not declared war.