This is suspected WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning at his arraignment hearing in Fort Meade, Maryland.<br/> <br />The U.S. Army intelligence analyst is accused of downloading more than 700,000 classified or confidential files from a military network whilst serving in Iraq.<br/> <br />These files, published on whistleblowing website WikiLeaks, are thought to be the source of the largest leak of classified U.S. documents in history.<br/> <br />At his hearing, twenty-four-year old Manning deferred his plea on all charges against him. He also deferred his decision on whether to be tried by a military judge or jury.<br/> <br />The prosecutors have portrayed Manning as a trained and trusted analyst who knowingly committed criminal acts when he allegedly passed the documents to WikiLeaks.<br/> <br />Even though the charge of aiding the enemy is an offense that could carry the death penalty, they have said they intend to seek a maximum of life imprisonment.<br/> <br />Manning's lawyers have portrayed him as a troubled young man whose behavioural problems should have prompted his superiors to revoke his access to classified information.<br/> <br />The next court session is scheduled for March 15 and 16. No date has yet been set for trial.<br/> <br />Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
