WikiLeaks suspect gets military hearing in December

Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who is accused of leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks, will have a military hearing in December, his lawyer said Monday.

Attorney David E. Coombs wrote on his blog that the hearing will take place on Dec. 16 at Fort Meade in Maryland. An Article 32 hearing, Coombs said, the pre-trial military proceeding allows the prosecution and defense to outline their cases. The attorneys will be able to call and cross-examine witnesses, and testimony can be used in the full trial.

Manning, who was arrested last year, faces more than two dozen charges related to his alleged leaking of materials that were published by Wikileaks. The leaks include video of a helicopter attack in Iraq where two Reuters journalists were killed and classified State Department cables.

Many have been critical of the way Manning has been detained since his arrest, and former State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley resigned earlier this year after complaining publicly that Manning was being mistreated.

The most serious charge against Manning is a capital offense, but prosecutors have said they will not seek the death penalty.

Coombs said that the December hearing would last for about five days. The hearing will be open to the public, except when classified material is being discussed.

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