Manning attorney: Soldier on trial in WikiLeaks case was ‘young, naive, but good-intentioned’

FORT MEADE, Md. – An attorney for Pfc. Bradley Manning says the soldier on trial for giving classified information to WikiLeaks was young and naive, but he had good intentions and thought he could make the world a better place.

Attorney David Coombs gave his opening statement Monday after prosecutors said the 25-year-old former intelligence analyst released thousands of sensitive documents that fell into enemy hands.

Prosecutors say they will present evidence that Osama bin Laden asked for and received information given to WikiLeaks.

Coombs did not address those accusations.

Prosecutors are trying to prove Manning aided the enemy, which carries a potential life sentence.

The release of sensitive material was the biggest leak of classified information in U.S. history.

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