Human Rights Watch conducts regular, systematic investigations of human rights abuses around the world. (They are actively researching, reporting, and advocating for change in more than 90 countries.).
Over this last weekend, Human Rights Watch sent a letter to President Obama asking him to give Chelsea time served.
From the letter:
“Manning did not have an opportunity to defend herself on the basis that her disclosures in whole or in part were in the public interest, a serious flaw in US law to which the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Access to Information has drawn attention again today. Commuting her sentence will send the message that punishment should always be proportionate, and that the public interest should be considered in all prosecutions of persons who disclose confidential information to the media.”
We also note that Manning has faced continuing obstacles in obtaining appropriate gender-affirming medical treatment incarcerated, challenges which appear to have contributed to her attempts at self-harm.
For these reasons, we are pleased by reports that your administration is considering commuting Ms. Manning’s sentence. We strongly encourage you to do so.