Chelsea Manning, a United States Army private, faced a military trial at Fort Meade, Maryland, regarding the unauthorized disclosure of classified information to WikiLeaks. In 2010, Manning was arrested on charges of leaking substantial volumes of sensitive material, including diplomatic cables and military reports about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The court proceedings began in June 2013 and were closely monitored by the media and civil liberties organizations that had a stake in the discussion of transparency, whistleblowing, and the protection of journalists. Manning's defense echoed the sentiments of many that the information disclosed was vital for public knowledge and classified actions, shedding light on military operations.As the trial unfolded, both the prosecution and defense presented their arguments over several weeks. The prosecution emphasized the severity of Manning's actions, claiming they endangered lives and compromised U.S. military strategies. Conversely, the defense framed Manning as a whistleblower motivated by a desire to expose war crimes and government misconduct, arguing that the leaks had not resulted in any immediate harm to individuals.The trial concluded with a verdict announced in July of that year, which saw Manning convicted on several charges but acquitted of the most serious charge of aiding the enemy. Manning was subsequently sentenced to 35 years in prison, a verdict that sparked widespread debate on the ethics of whistleblowing, government secrecy, and accountability in warfare.