Julian Assange hails WikiLeaks whistleblower Manning's verdict

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has called the sentencing of American soldier Bradley Manning to 35 years in a prison a ‘significant strategic victory.’

At the same time, Assange has renewed calls for Manning's release, describing his conviction as ‘an affront to basic concepts of Western justice.’

According to news.com.au, Assange said that he and WikiLeaks saw victory in how soon Manning would be eligible for release.

He said that this hard-won minimum term represents a significant tactical victory for Manning's defence, campaign team and supporters.

He added that Manning’s defence team was now appealing to the US Army Court of Criminal Appeals in relation to this sentence and also for due process violations during the trial.

According to the report, Assange said the only just outcome for Manning was his unconditional release, compensation for the unlawful treatment he has undergone and a serious commitment to investigating the wrongdoing his alleged disclosures have brought to light.