Manning Speaks Out on Sleeping Naked

Bradley Manning's lawyer has released the first account from Manning himself of the WikiLeaks suspect's treatment at the military brig in Quantico. In an 11-page legal letter, Manning describes how he has been “left to languish under the unduly harsh conditions of max [security] custody,” including a harrowing three days after he was placed on suicide watch on January 18. "I was stripped of all clothing with the exception of my underwear. My prescription eyeglasses were taken away from me and I was forced to sit in essential blindness." He says the suicide watch was imposed in retribution for a protest about his treatment that was held outside Quantico the day before, and that immediately before the watch started, guards verbally harassed him and taunted him with conflicting orders. Manning also describes being forced to strip naked at night and to stand naked at parade rest in the morning, a practice that has become part of his daily routine: “The [brig supervisor] and the other guards walked past my cell. He looked at me, paused for a moment, then continued to the next cell. I was incredibly embarrassed at having all these people stare at me naked.” The letter also contains excerpts from the brig's observation records that say Manning is "respectful, courteous and well spoken" and "does not have any suicidal feelings at this time.” Reports of Manning's treatment have prompted the United Nations to launch a probe into his imprisonment.