Judge Allows Classified Testimony at Manning Sentencing

Over objections by the defense

The judge hearing the court-martial of Bradley Manning, the U.S. soldier convicted of giving classified documents to WikiLeaks, on Tuesday overruled defense attorneys' objections over classified testimony against their client.

Judge Colonel Denise Lind made her ruling as the defense presents its side in the trial's sentencing phase. Attorneys for Manning are expected to read a statement from him as they conclude their case, possibly on Wednesday, and sentencing could follow shortly after.

Manning, a 25-year-old private first class, faces the possibility of 90 years in prison after being convicted July 30 on 20 charges, including espionage and theft, in the biggest release of classified files in U.S. history.

Lind overruled three of five defense objections to classified information presented during court sessions that were closed to the public and media. The trial included regular discussions in closed sessions of classified information by the judge and attorneys for both sides.