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XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] The defense requests the presence of XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] in order to discuss the issue of Unlawful Command Influence (UCI). Under Rule for Courts-Martial 405(e), the defense is entitled to explore the issue of UCI. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), a superior officer in the chain of command is prohibited from saying or doing anything that could influence any decision by u subordinate in how to handle a military justice matter. As the XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] made improper comments on 21 April 2011, when he decided to comment on PFC Manning and his case. On that date, he responded to questions regarding PFC Manning's alleged actions by concluding that 'We're a nation of laws. We don't let individuals make their own decisions about how the laws operate. He [PFC Manning] broke the law.' The comments by XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] are UCI. The defense intends to question XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] on the nature of his discussions with members of the military regarding this case and whether he has made any other statements that would either influence the prosecution of this case or PFC Manning's right to obtain a fair trial. In additional to the UCI issue, XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] will testify about his views on the Afghanistan SIGACTs released by WikiLeaks. He will testify that the leak did not reveal any issues that had not already informed our public debate on Afghanistan. He will also testify that the Afghanistan SIGACTs point to the same challenges that led him to conduct an extensive review of the Afghanistan policy. XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] will also testify about the problem of over-classification within the government. Specifically, that he supported and signed into law the Reducing Over-Classification Act on 7 October 2010. Additionally, he will testify, that on his first full day in office , 2l January 2009, he issued two memoranda for the head of Executive Departments and Agencies that were related to transparency in government. The first memorandum focused on the administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the second focused on transparency and open government. XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] will testify that the transparency memorandum he wrote committed the administration to 'an unprecedented level of openness' and to the establishment of 'a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration' XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] will testify that on 8 December 2009 his administration released a third memorandum - an Open Government Directive (OGD). The OGD included detailed instructions for departments and agencies on how they are to 'implement the principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration.' Finally, on 29 December 2009, XXXXXXXXXX [PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA] will testify, that he issued Executive Order 13526 in an attempt to improve the system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information, including the establishment of the National Declassification Center. |
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Name(s:) |
David Coombs |
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Title: |
civilian defense counsel |
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Concerning: |
United States v. Pfc. Bradley Manning, Unlawful Command Influence |
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Url: |
Url Link
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Title: |
Bradley Manning 'Broke The Law,' Obama Says (VIDEO) |
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Authoring or Creator Agency: |
Huffington Post |
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Concerning: |
"United States v. Pfc. Bradley Manning, Unlawful Command Influence |
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Archive Link |
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