WikiLeaks whistle-blower Chelsea Manning has been released from prison
- Former soldier still owes US$256,000 in accrued fines for refusing to testify in investigation
- Manning reportedly tried to kill herself on Wednesday and is currently recovering
Former US army soldier and WikiLeaks source Chelsea Manning was released from prison on Thursday on a judge’s order after being held since May for refusing to testify in an ongoing US investigation of WikiLeaks.
US District Court Judge Anthony Trenga in Alexandria, Virginia, ordered Manning released because the grand jury hearing the case had concluded.
Alexandria City Sheriff Dana Lawhorne told reporters late on Thursday that Manning had been released from the Alexandria Detention Center.
Trenga rejected a request from Manning to cancel fines that he had imposed for her refusal to testify and ordered her to pay fines totalling US$256,000. A detention hearing for Manning scheduled for Friday was cancelled.
“Needless to say we are relieved and ask that you respect her privacy while she gets on her feet,” Manning’s defence team said in an emailed statement.