Today, NOW with Alex Wagner decided to air the WikiLeaks “Collateral Murder” video (Warning: Graphic. Can be seen here) in a discussion of the Bradley Manning trial.
The video was released by WikiLeaks on April 5, 2010, making headlines across the world and turning the organization into a household name in the U.S.
It showed a military engagement on July 12, 2007 in which two U.S. Apache helicopters open fire, killing 12 Iraqis, including two employees from the Reuters news agency–Saeed Chmagh and Namir Noor-Eldeen.
A U.S. investigation into the incident concluded that no disciplinary action was needed.
While Manning’s leaks may or may not have harmed national security (the administration says they did, Manning supporters want to see proof) they revealed a side to U.S. actions overseas that the public is unused to seeing except on rare occasions. However, if the public has made anything clear, it’s that it’s ready to have a healthy debate about government transparency.
Alex was joined by activist and courtroom fixture Clark Stoeckley and Salon’s David Sirota for the conversation. Manning faces 21 charges including “aiding the enemy” which carries a life sentence. He has already pleaded guilty to 10 of the lesser charges.
Army judge Col. Denise Lind is scheduled to deliver her verdict at 1pm ET Tuesday.
Matthew Alexander