15-16 March 2012 Bradley Manning Hearings
Live Tweets from Ft. Meade, MD by David F. Powell
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9:00
a.m. We are in the Press Pool at Ft. Meade waiting the court
proceedings to begin. I am tweeting in order to give quick info until
(1/2
Once
you are on base and have gone through the gauntlet of security
measures, the staff are actually quite pleasant and accommodating.
I am Tweeting Live from the Press Pool....
9:32
a.m. In the live feed from the courtroom, we can see that they are
preparing the seating for those to testify. Microphones are readied
Staff
here say that there is a smaller turnout here in the Press Pool than
during the previous arrainment. Not surprising, given the ...(1/2
(2/2
the very difficult process of procuring credentials from the Media Desk
here at the base. Most of my e-mails were returned; calls: none
9:38 a.m. The lights have been dimmed and we anticipate ..... court begins "All rise."
Mr. Coombs is Mr. Manning's lead counsel.
9;40 Judge does "Housekeeping," re-hash of previous proceeding.
I should remind you that I am reporting exclusively for Frontline Club UK. Many thanks to Mr. Vaughan Smith, Founder.
9:43
a.m. Bradley Manning is seated next to his counsel, Mr. Coombs. He is
looking healthy and his hair seems longer and less militar-esque
IT WAS AFTER THIS REMARK OF MINE THAT BRADLEY'S HAIR WAS CUT SHORT DURING THE LUNCH RECESS> (!)
9:48 a.m. The Judge acknowledges the defense motion to compel discovery and trial schedules (standard).
Erratic camera work in the coutroom. Good close-ups of the Judge, few of Manning.
Mr. Coombs confir s the gov't have delivered on its Due Diligence requirements
The Judge asked the defense if they had received the 3 million pages/100,000 docs of evidense from the gov't. The answer: no.
9:57 a.m. The court is still doing "Housekeeping," re-hashing issues from the last proceeding.
Mr. Manning is smiling and interacting with his counsel. He seems animated and engaged.
The
gov't is addressing issues of evidence that is Classified material and
whether that material is suitable for release, in its entirety (1
Judge
says she understands the case deserves speedy trial, yet a balance is
necessary when also asking for time to file voluminous docs.
10:07 a.m. Judge re-reads the formal charges, including "Aiding the Enemy."
The audio and video feed here is priimitive, at best. There is an audio -delay which is distracting.
10:13 a.m. Throughout these lulls in the courtroom I will... court recessed
While the court is in brief recess, I'll describe the atmos.
Surprisingly poor in attendance, to begin with. That a trial of this (1/2)
I was reprimanded for Tweeting DURING the legal proceedings. I didn't know. Lucky audience, though.
I
am Tweeting a quick summary during the break...Mr. Coombs (defense
counsel) tries painfully to explain to the court that a distinction 1/2
2/2 must be made: Gov't is too VAGUE and overly broad when using terms like stolen. Do they mean converted, purloined, stolen?
Gov't
says NO distinction between those terms. Coombs argues that the defense
MUST have clarity in definitions in order to proceed.
Judge
offers a weak comparison to "having, possessing, getting" when all
refer to illegal acquisition. Tepidly received by gov't & defense.
Coombs
asks whether gov't suggests software allegedly used by BM, illegally,
was already on the computer? Desktop? How was access violated?
Judge
seemed confused, and said as much, when Coombs stated--(paraphrasing)
How was software obtained? Was it there? Did BM violate access?
Judge
seemed to think the question was about the METHOD in which the software
was installed (Paraphrasing) Laughter in the Press Pool.
The
above issues all pertain to CONDUCT and defense says the term is too
broad when access to software and its origination are in question
Soon to return from break: 11:41
Next: Motion to Compel Discovery
BREAKING! CIA's Wikileaks Task Force HAS completed Damage sSssessment and it is classified
The Government's Damage Assessment is NOT yet completed.
DOJ does NOT do Damage Assessment
Coombs files motion to dismiss. Handed directly to judge. She first want to read it.
I just walked in on a uniformed man giving an explaination of the proceedings, so far.
We're TOLD the judge will read and consider the motion with the likelihood of a "917" another remedy that dismisses SOME
So far the calendar has given about 2 weeks to respond (motion)
Procedures for releasing classified information under 505 is fluid and must be determined by the judge.
Defense argues this should have (1/2
been
done LONG before. Coombs gives an analogy of baking a cake, finding it
needs eggs half way through baking and wanting to plop eggs atop
Human
note: Bradley Manning sitting, leafing, stroking through counsels note
book unconsciously, in aelf-soothing, comforting manner.
Back tracking: Quantico Videos requested by defense. Gov't claims SPECIFIC video(s) do not exist.
Best line today
Judge: "I'm new. Who is Adrian Lamo?"
It appears a supreme effort is made to keep Manning off and out of camera range, except at the longest and most distant shots.
Second Best Line Today
Judge: "...Can't find the Manuel for Court Marshall. Oh, there it is."
Coombs: Gov't does NOT understand its obligations under the Bradey Standard
Coombs claims gov't is focusing on Production, rather than Discovery
Coombs
makes claim that the software for mIRC Chat is/was added to computers
REGULARLY under direction of OIC as Mission Essential
Some other observations, since we're on break: Shocking to me that so few are in the courtroom from the public.
20 more could easily fit in the room, comfortably. I wonder if lack of response from Public Affairs and Media Desk discouraged.
Coombs wants transcript of Gates' public statement on damages created/not created
Secretary Clinton's public statements requested as well.
The CIA's WTF (Wikileaks Task Force) has completed its Damage Assessment and the findings are classified.
Press Pool atmos much more relaxed as we break for lunch. More chat amongst peers normally v., v. competitive.
Court proceedings resume at 3:00 EDT (15.00)
Next: Motion to Compel Deposition.
Arguments will be made on WHO should be deposed
By the way, Please RT these proceedings. Thank you.
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Clark Stoeckley (Wikileaks Truck) is creating some stunning courtroom sketches
Arrived
on base with Alexa D. O'Brien and Clark Stoeckley in a car emblazoned
with giant Wikileaks magnetic signs (enrobed, is more like it)
As
our vehicle was searched at entrance we were told we could not be
admitted with these signs on the vehicle. Sally's Landscaping sailed in
Alexa was wearing a couture racing jacket with Wikileaks Race Team and Frontline Club logos.
Court resumes in 5-minutes.
Next: Motion to Compel Deposiotion
Please read (re-read) the previous Tweets and RT while the court is in session. Thank you.
Random shots around courtroom: Bradley sits alone while counsel stand; go through papers.
Judge says "Issues under advisement until tomorrow."
The issues being the 13 OCAs for deposition
We
about to be escorted off base, starting in 5-minutes. Groups of 5 will
be escorted at a time, with the room remaining open untilm 5:00 pm
Thank you all for following the proceedings today. We will be enriching the info later this evening. Also, follow
@carwinb for fab news.
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Please
follow again tomorrow, Friday. Court begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT, but we
will be doing live video from outside the base earlier.
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Good morning. We are in place for Day 2 of the Bradley Manning Hearings at Ft. Meade.
Today's legal proceedings WILL address the two issues, of discovery and depositions.
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Todays proceedings begin at 10:00 a.m. EDT
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BREAKING! Todays proceedings postponed until 1:00 p.m. EDT (13.00)
I
decided to leave the Press Pool this morning and go to the courtroom
However, after an hour wait we were told there would be a delay. 1:00
Outside
the Magistrate court, there's a tent structure running the length of
the bldg. to serve/hide the arrivals of key figures.
Shocking that there were only 15, or so people waiting to enter the actual courtroom as Public or Press.
The lack of attention/coverage of this case by press and interest by public is shameful.
I
must tell you that after the hearing ended, I was chatting w/ a staff
member in the courtroom, and when I was leaving, Bradley (1/2)
WE
glanced at each other, as we could have touched. It was a very, very
moving moment. I am sure I would have been stopped from passing...
BM looked directly at me and then at my Frontline Club press pass.
...had
they seen me coming. I have ALOT of observations to share with you when
I am OFF BASE, as all our electronic communications seem....
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I am so sorry I must delay further news as I'm so reluctant in this venue/context.
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I
will write a comprhensive report, that I promise, you will be
enlightening, after we leave BASE. I regret the delay, but it is
necessary.
NEXT HEARING DATES: 24, 25, 26 APRIL
RT
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PLZ RT LIVE this morning: Coverage of the #bradleymanningtrial livestream.com/bradleymanni... #carwinb #DavidFPowell
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