WikiLeaks GI’s complaint targets his Marine jailer

January 21, 2011 at 2:33p.m.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — The lawyer for a soldier suspected of passing classified information to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks is alleging wrongdoing by his jailer.

David Coombs of Fall River, Mass., said Friday he has filed a complaint with the commander of the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va., where Army Pfc. Bradley Manning is being held, alleging a regulatory violation.

Coombs says Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Averhart abused his discretion by placing Manning on 24-hour suicide watch from Tuesday evening to Thursday afternoon over the recommendation of brig and defense psychiatrists.

Manning has been confined at least 23 hours day for nearly six months. His lawyer wants Manning’s maximum-security status changed to medium-security.