In the recording, leaked in violation of court orders late Monday, Manning explains to a pre-trial military court in Fort Meade why he released the United States government files to WikiLeaks. The recording is the first time the public has heard Manning's voice since his arrest in May 2010.

 

FPF stated that the audio leak surfaced despite "extreme secrecy in our courts," which, just as in government, "is an anathema to democracy."

The group continued: "Whether military or civilian, this type of closed-door legal process impairs the public's right-to-know and journalists' ability to report on matters of deep public concern."