Whistleblower Chealsea Manning begins hunger strike protesting US government and prison bullying
Manning also said that she had filed a 'do not resuscitate' letter - file picture REUTERS/U.S. Army

WikiLeaks source and US army whistleblower Chelsea Manning has announced she has begun a hunger strike after having been "bullied" by US government and prison authorities, which she described as "the constant, deliberate and overzealous administrative scrutiny by prison and military officials." Manning also said she had filed a "do not resuscitate" letter, which includes attempts to forcibly feed her and cut or shorten her hair.

Manning said in a statement that her hunger strike was a "peaceful act" adding that she would not be moved from her protest until she was given "minimum standards of dignity, respect, and humanity". In July Manning attempted suicide in prison after which she was charged with several administrative offences, which according to her lawyers, could result in her facing an indefinite solitary confinement or a transfer to a maximum-security detention.

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"I need help. I needed help earlier this year. I was driven to suicide by the lack of care for my gender dysphoria that I have been desperate for. I didn't get any. I still haven't gotten any," Manning said in a statement. "I am no longer asking. Now, I am demanding. As of 12:01 am Central Daylight Time on September 9, 2016, and until I am given minimum standards of dignity, respect, and humanity, I shall—refuse to voluntarily cut or shorten my hair in any way; consume any food or drink voluntarily, except for water and currently prescribed medications; and comply with all rules, regulations, laws, and orders that are not related to the two things I have mentioned."

According to reports, human rights groups raised concerns over Manning's treatment at Fort Leavenworth military prison more than once. Manning announced her identity as a transgender woman shortly after being sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 over espionage charges. She began receiving hormone replacement therapy in 2015 after combating the US army for the right to identify herself as a woman.

Manning was indicted under the US Espionage Act and convicted of six counts of espionage after having been accused of leaking nearly 700,000 US army records to WikiLeaks, in what is considered to be one of the most high-profile cases of military espionage in US history.

Manning's entire statement announcing her hunger strike is displayed below:

"I need help. I am not getting any. I have asked for help time and time again for six years and through five separate confinement locations. My request has only been ignored, delayed, mocked, given trinkets and lip service by the prison, the military, and this administration."

"I need help. I needed help earlier this year. I was driven to suicide by the lack of care for my gender dysphoria that I have been desperate for. I didn't get any. I still haven't gotten any."

"I needed help. Yet, instead I am now being punished for surviving my attempt. When I was a child, my father would beat me repeatedly for simply not being masculine enough. I was told to stop crying—to "suck it up." But, I couldn't stop crying. The pain just got worse and worse. Until finally, I just couldn't take the pain anymore."

"I needed help, but no one came then. No one is coming now."

"Today, I have decided that I am no longer going to be bullied by this prison—or by anyone within the U.S. government. I have asked for nothing but the dignity and respect—that I once actually believed would be provided for—afforded to any living human being."

"I do not believe that this should be dependent on any arbitrary factors—whether you are cisgender or transgender; service member or civilian, citizen or non-citizen. In response to virtually every request, I have been granted limited, if any, dignity and respect—just more pain and anguish."

"I am no longer asking. Now, I am demanding. As of 12:01 am Central Daylight Time on September 9, 2016, and until I am given minimum standards of dignity, respect, and humanity, I shall—refuse to voluntarily cut or shorten my hair in any way; consume any food or drink voluntarily, except for water and currently prescribed medications; and comply with all rules, regulations, laws, and orders that are not related to the two things I have mentioned."

"This is a peaceful act. I intend to keep it as peaceful and non-violent, on my end, as possible. Any physical harm that should come to me at the hands of military or civilian staff will be unnecessary and vindictive. I will not physically resist or in any way harm another person. I have also submitted a "do not resuscitate" letter that is effective immediately. This shall include any attempts to forcibly cut or shorten my hair or to forcibly feed me by any medical or pseudo-medical means."

"Until I am shown dignity and respect as a human again, I shall endure this pain before me. I am prepared for this mentally and emotionally. I expect that this ordeal will last for a long time. Quite possibly until my permanent incapacitation or death. I am ready for this."

"I need help. Please, give me help."