Accused WikiLeaker Bradley Manning no longer in solitary confinement; moved to Kansas base
NINA MANDELL DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
The move comes after months of outcry from human rights groups, WikiLeaks supporters and Manning's lawyer that the confinement was not necessary to keep him safe.
An Army spokesman said Friday that Manning is fit to stand trial. He is in custody while awaiting a court martial, although no date has been set for the initial hearing.
Reporters were taken on a tour of his new digs at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., but were banned from seeing his 6-foot by 26-foot cell. According to officials, he will have outdoor recreation with other prisoners, unlimited use of the pay phone and the opportunity for five visits daily.
The facility also includes a library, dental clinic, barbershop, gym, outdoor football field and basketball court.
"He'll be able to congregate and commune with the other pretrial prisoners in the housing unit and he will have recreation during the afternoon," Lt. Colonel Dawn Hilton told reporters during the tour.
April 29, 2011