By URIAH KISER
Quantico, Va. –– The Potomac River and Town of Quantico served as a backdrop Sunday for protesters who demanded the release Pfc. Bradley Manning.
The U.S. Army intelligence analyst was charged in June for violating military code after investigators say he leaked a video showing soldiers shooting and killing unarmed Iraqi civilians and journalists, as well as handing over classified military documents which were later posted to the Internet.
He faces 52-years in prison if convicted, and has been jailed on the neighboring Quantico Marine Corps Base since his arrest.
Protester’s signs stated “blowing the whistle on war is not a crime,” and the 25 protesters who showed up – a smaller number of participants who last month came to Quantico to protest – shouted “Bradley Manning is our youth. Set him free to speak the truth.”
“Were concerned because we believe there are war crimes being committed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and when crimes are committed it helps when there is a whistle blower to report them. We’re a little annoyed with the term ‘criminal leaker’ is being used, when Bradley Manning is really a whistle blower,” said rally organizer Pete Perry.
His organization, the Bradley Manning Support Network, held several rallies across the country this weekend that urging U.S. officials to drop the charges against Manning.
Josh Stieber served in the Army’s infantry in Iraq from 2007 until 2008. He said situations where unarmed Iraqi citizens are shot are commonplace.
“That’s what the war looks like, and there are instances where civilians were harmed even worse than they were in that video. That’s the affect it’s taking on the local population, but it’s putting the armed services in what I feel like is an unfair situation where they’re told you have to defend yourself and you have to win over a local population and build a nation, and those things don’t go hand in hand, and this video shows what it looks like when you try to combine these two things.,” said Stieber.
The number of police officers at or near the rally rivaled the number of protesters.
Those attending the rally were briefly detained at Quantico Marine Corps Base’s main gate, where information about their vehicles was logged and drivers were told to proceed directly to Quantico town.
While there, officers from the Quantico and Prince William County police departments, as well as military police patrolled the rally grounds and lined Potomac Avenue – the town’s main street – before the start of the rally.
Quantico’s mayor, Iris Tharpe, said officers were called in to work overtime for the demonstration, which cost the town an additional $2,400.
Protest organizers said they could not reimburse the town for the cost of the additional police presence, and said they would consider moving their next protest outside Quantico’s main gate, on U.S. 1 in Triangle.
If they choose not to move, however, they are still welcome in Quantico.
“It’s freedom of speech is what it’s all about. You can’t go overseas and fight a war for others to have freedom and come home and not have freedom here,” said Tharpe.
Recent Stories
Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
