Manning defers WikiLeaks plea

This is suspected WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning at his arraignment hearing in Fort Meade, Maryland.

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.

These files, published on whistleblowing website WikiLeaks, are thought to be the source of the largest leak of classified U.S. documents in history.

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.

The prosecutors have portrayed Manning as a trained and trusted analyst who knowingly committed criminal acts when he allegedly passed the documents to WikiLeaks.

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.

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.

The next court session is scheduled for March 15 and 16. No date has yet been set for trial.

Nick Rowlands, Reuters.