Manning had been sentenced to 35 years in military prison for exposing war crimes committed by US forces that were completely swept under the rug during US military operations in the Middle East.
Jonsdottir admitted that she was surprised, but very "thankful" for Obama`s decision. "I think maybe people should look at their presidents according to their last hundred days in office, because Obama has set a record now when it comes to release of prisoners," she said.
Manning`s lawyer said Barack Obama`s decision would be a great relief to his client, who twice attempted suicide and went on a hunger strike while serving her sentence at Fort Leavenworth.
However, members of the Republican Party criticized Obama`s move calling it outrageous. Senator John McCain said it would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging further acts of espionage. On Wednesday, Trump`s spokesman Sean Spicer said that US President-elect Donald Trump is troubled by President Barack Obama`s commutation of Manning`s prison sentence.
/Sputnik News/
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