Manning Played Peek-a-Boo, Licked Cell Bars: Testimony

Bradley Manning's treatment at Quantico—23 hours per day spent in solitary confinement, sometimes naked—has been likened to torture, but a military commander explained to Manning's court martial yesterday that such measures were taken because of Manning's bizarre behavior, the Guardian reports. Daniel Choike, who commanded the base while Manning was held there, testified at the first day of Manning's latest pre-trial hearing that the accused WikiLeaker "acted out" in ways including "playing peek-a-boo, licking the bars of his cell," and "erratic dancing." Thus, commanders decided to keep Manning under the extreme "prevention of injury" order.

But, Manning's lawyer pointed out, Manning could have been dancing because he was so bored while in solitary confinement, and he licked the cell bars while sleepwalking, most likely due to medication he was on. His lawyer also revealed that one brig staff member wrote a mocking poem about Manning's underwear being removed each night, set to the rhythm of "Green Eggs and Ham." Choike had only recommended Manning be kept in Quantico's brig for 90 days; he ended up spending nine months there. This hearing is related to a claim that Manning was illegally punished during those nine months. Manning himself is expected to testify today or tomorrow. (More Bradley Manning stories.)