Alleged Wikileaks source Bradley Manning given extra charges

One of the charges carries the death penalty but prosecutors say they will not press for this.

THE SOLDIER SUSPECTED of leaking thousands of classified military and diplomatic documents to the whistle blowing website Wikileaks has been hit with 22 extra charges including one that carries the death penalty.

US Army Private Bradley Manning has been hit with charges that include aiding the enemy, a capital offence, although prosecutors say they will not seek the death penalty, according to the BBC.

The former intelligence analyst is being held at a military facility in Virgina.

He is suspected of leaking a total of 720,000 military and diplomatic cables to Wikileaks which has been publishing the documents in conjunction with major media outlets worldwide.

Prosecutors say the new charges more accurately reflect the broad scope of the crimes Manning is accused of committing, according to The Washington Post.

If convicted of all charges Manning would face life in prison, and a dishonourable discharge from the US army.

Some in the US have called for him to be given the death penalty for leaking the documents and cables to Wikileaks.