Watch CBS News

WikiLeaks Trial: Prosecutors Focus On Cables Leaked By GI

FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) -- Prosecutors in the court-martial of an Army private who leaked classified information are focusing on the U.S. diplomatic cables he has admitted sending to WikiLeaks.

The trial of Pfc. Bradley Manning resumes Thursday at Fort Meade, near Baltimore.

On Wednesday, a former State Department official testified on cross-examination that the agency's computer network would have given a soldier with Manning's top-secret security clearance unrestricted access to the cables. The government alleges he stole them.

The cables included candid and sometimes embarrassing assessments of foreign leaders and governments. State

Department officials say the disclosures endangered lives and threatened national security.

Manning has said the cables exposed U.S. hypocrisy. His supporters say a leaked cable revealing America's half-hearted support for Tunisia's government helped trigger the Arab Spring uprisings.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.