Manning acquitted of aiding the enemy but faces espionage charges

Espionage charges could result in a sentencing of 136 years behind prison

Former US Army intelligence analyst Bradley Manning, accused of leaking classified documents to Wikileaks, has been acquitted of providing aid to the enemy, but was convicted of several counts of espionage.

Army Judge Col Denise Lind found the 25-year-old Army private guilty of espionage charges, which could result in a sentencing of 136 years behind prison.

Manning's attorney, David Coombs said he was pleased by the verdict, but signaled that the decisive moment will come during the sentencing phase of the court-martial, which opens Wednesday and could last several weeks.

Manning had previously accepted responsibility for providing classified information to WikiLeaks, actions covered by ten of the 22 charges.

Military judge Colonel Denise Lind found him guilty of 20 of those 22 charges.

"We won the battle, now we need to go win the war," Coombs said following today's verdict.

"Today is a good day, but Bradley is by no means out of the fire," he said to dozens of emotional supporters outside of the Fort Meade, Maryland military courtroom.

Coombs expressed subdued optimism going into the expected month-long sentencing phase of the court martial that will determine how long Bradley Manning will remain in confinement The New York based Committee to Protect Journalists said the case has become emblematic of US authorities' aggressive crackdown on leaks of secret information.

"While Manning was not convicted of the most serious charge, we're still concerned about the chilling effect on the press, especially on reporters covering national security issues," said Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

"This aggressive prosecution has sent a clear message to would-be leakers," he added.

However, Congressman Howard P "Buck" McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said justice has been served.

"Bradley Manning endangered the security of the United States and the lives of his own comrades in uniform when he intentionally disclosed vast amounts of classified data.