WikiLeaks hearing to focus on Brandley Manning's motive

Fort Meade, Maryland: A US Army private charged with sending thousands of classified documents to the WikiLeaks secrets-sharing website faces a pretrial hearing about whether his motivation matters in the largest leak of classified material in the country’s history.

Prosecutors want the military judge to bar the defense from producing evidence at trial regarding Bradley Manning’s motive for allegedly causing the online publication of secret war logs and diplomatic cables. The hearing begins Tuesday.

Manning allegedly told an online confidant he leaked the material because he wanted people to see the truth. He has offered to take responsibility in a plea offer that is pending. But he still could face trial on charges that include aiding the enemy.

Prosecutors say Manning’s motive is irrelevant.

AP