WikiLeaks source Chelsea Manning 'OK' after suicide attempt

Yahoo – AFP, July 12, 2016

Chelsea Manning is serving a 35-year jail sentence for espionage
and other offenses (AFP Photo)

Washington (AFP) - Imprisoned intelligence leaker Chelsea Manning has assured supporters she is "glad to be alive" after a suicide attempt.

The transgender soldier, who is serving a 35-year sentence for espionage and other offenses after admitting to handing classified documents to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks, tweeted late Monday: "I am okay. I'm glad to be alive. Thank you all for your love. I will get through this. #standwithchelsea."

Manning's lawyers said they were out of contact with their client for more than a week before finally being able to speak with her on Monday.

"She remains under close observation by the prison and expects to remain on this status for the next several weeks," the lawyers said in a statement.

"For us, hearing Chelsea's voice after learning that she had attempted to take her life last week was incredibly emotional."

"She is someone who has fought so hard for so many issues we care about and we are honored to fight for her freedom and medical care."

The legal team criticized the government for a "gross breach of confidentiality" in disclosing Manning's health information to media.

The US Army said last Wednesday that Manning was briefly hospitalized, following media reports that she had attempted suicide.

Originally called Bradley, Manning was convicted in August 2013.

After sentencing, Manning announced she identified as female and later obtained legal authorization to change her name and receive hormone therapy.

She remains in a men's military prison in Kansas and is appealing her sentence.