A group of political activists, who condemn the glorification of war, have been showing their solidarity for accused WikiLeaks whistleblower Bradley Manning.
Bradley Manning Support Events (Wales) staged an exhibition into the life of the 24-year-old US soldier, who is accused of ‘aiding the enemy’ by leaking classified information to the website.
The exhibition, entitled War in the 21st Century, saw ex-SAS (Special Air Service) veteran Ben Griffin and peace activist Ciaron O’Reilly talk about personal experiences, and the importance of Bradley Manning’s case.
Mr Griffin launched Veterans for Peace UK after he left the army in 2011.
He said: “Part of our work is to support people who resist wars and are now being persecuted for that action. We are trying to raise the profile of Bradley Manning and encourage people to take up his cause. He went to school in Wales, he has family in Wales, so it’s natural that Wales should stand up for him.”
Mr Griffin said that the National Theare Wales play The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning, which was performed at Tasker Milward School last week, did well to humanise the soldier.
“If he did leak that information, we should celebrate that. It’s important that if you see criminal activity, you admit to your crimes, and do something about it,”
he said.
“I grew up thinking that Britain was right to send forces into Iraq. But now I know that it gets involved in wars for its own self-interest.
Many people think they know what war is because they’ve seen John Wayne movies, or played Call of Duty. But this is real, it’s not a video game, and there’s nothing glorious about it.”
Lindi Carter, of Bradley Manning Support Events, who organised the exhibition at the Picton Centre on Friday, said Pembrokeshire people should be proud of Bradley Manning.
She said: “As his defence solicitor said at the beginning of his trial – history will ultimately judge my client.
And in time to come, Bradley will be a son of Wales.”
For more information visit wiseupforbradleymanning.
wordpress.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here