Politics Military Army Private First Class Bradley Manning is escorted out of a military court facilityduring the sentencing phase of his trial Aug. 20, 2013 in Fort Meade, Maryland. Mark WilsonGetty Images <\/p>\n
The U.S. Army has declined a request for clemency from the soldier formerly known as Bradley Manning, who was convicted last year of leaking a massive amount of classified government data to the whistle-blowing group WikiLeaks. <\/p>\n
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchannan approved the 35-year sentence handed down by Judge Denise Lind in Mannings court martial in August 2013. Buchannans decision was issued Thursday but announced to the public Monday. <\/p>\n
Manning was convicted of 20 separate offenses, including violations of the Espionage Act, but acquitted of the most serious charge of aiding the enemy, which carried a sentence of up to life in prison. The 35-year sentence levied against Manning is the longest sentence imposed on someone for leaking information to the media in American history. <\/p>\n
Manning and her supporters are also pursuing other avenues to reduce the leakers punishment, including a clemency request with President Barack Obama and a military appeals process that could terminate in the U.S. Supreme Court. <\/p>\n
At the time of her conviction, Manning was known by the first name Bradley. She has since formally requested a name change to Chelsea and indicated to the public that she identifies as female. <\/p>\n
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