Dismissal of 10 Wikileaks charges sought
DAVID DISHNEAU
Last updated 09:19 25/05/2012
... The defence contends the government used unconstitutionally vague language in eight counts charging Manning with unauthorised possession and disclosure of classified information. The motion specifically targets the government's use of the phrases, "relating to the national defence" and "to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any foreign nation."
Both phrases are so sweeping in their scope that they fail to provide the accused with fair warning of what conduct is prohibited, the defense said.
The defense is also seeking dismissal of two counts alleging Manning exceeded his authorized access on computers linked to the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, or SIPRNet, a Defence Department intranet system.
The government alleges Manning used the computers to obtain certain State Department cables that were then transmitted to a person not entitled to receive them. The defence argues that a someone's purpose in accessing a computer is irrelevant to the charge of exceeding authorised access ...
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/6985057/Dismissal-of-10-Wikileaks-charges-sought