Too Wiko for secrets?

FORT MEADE, MD. - A military hearing for the Army private charged with spilling a mountain of secrets to WikiLeaks focused yesterday on why Pfc. Bradley Manning remained entrusted with highly sensitive information after showing hostile behavior to those around him.

On the third day of the hearing to determine whether Manning will be court-martialed on 22 charges, including aiding the enemy, his defense sought to build on its case that his supervisors in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team should have seen enough red flags to suspend or revoke his access to secret information months before the leaks.

The defense has emphasized what it regards as a failure by Manning's closest supervisor, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Adkins, to suspend the intelligence security clearance after at least two fits of rage by the private during which he overturned furniture. Adkins refused to testify yesterday, invoking his right against self-incrimination, when summoned by the government.

Other testimony revealed that Manning, serving in Iraq in 2009 and 2010, was sometimes angry and distant with others from his unit. The defense has said that Manning, who is gay, was bullied by fellow soldiers. Manning's defense team says he told Adkins he suffered from gender-identity disorder - the belief that he was born the wrong sex.

- Associated Press