Pre-trial hearing held for US army private Bradley Manning

After more than 900 days in custody US army private Bradley Manning finally got to testify at his army pre-trial hearing in Maryland last week.

He is charged with leaking more than 250,000 diplomatic cables and classified documents to Julian Assange’s WikiLeaks website.

Manning was tortured in detention. His lawyers argue that the charges against him should be dropped because of his treatment.

Manning says he will plead guilty to sending files to WikiLeaks, if other charges are dropped. He could face up to 16 years in prison for the leaks.

But if the additional charge of “aiding the enemy” is added he could face life. Manning’s court-martial is set for March next year.