NOT TALKING

Manning Could Break Silence

As last phase of sentencing ends.

Bradley Manning, the former soldier who faces up to 90 years in prison for leaking to WikiLeaks, may break his silence on Wednesday as the sentencing phase of his court-martial concludes. Manning, 25, has stayed silent as his trial began on June 3, speaking publicly for the last time in February, when he read a 10,000-word statement at a pre-trial hearing. His chief defense attorney, David Combs, is expected to ask for a lenient sentence for Manning, who has claimed he leaked the information in an effort to start a public debate about U.S. foreign policy. He has been convicted of 20 charges, including espionage and theft, but was found not guilty of the most serious charge, aiding the enemy.