Snowden on Manning Commutation: 'Thanks, Obama'

NSA leaker Edward Snowden on Tuesday expressed his thanks to President Barack Obama for commuting the sentence of Chelsea Manning, tweeting, "Thanks, Obama."

Let it be said here in earnest, with good heart: Thanks, Obama. https://t.co/IeumTasRNN

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 17, 2017

Snowden, who himself has been the focus of requests for a pardon, tweeted to Obama last week if he helped only one person before leaving office Friday that person should be Manning. 

Mr. President, if you grant only one act of clemency as you exit the White House, please: free Chelsea Manning. You alone can save her life.

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 11, 2017

Manning's 35-year sentence for giving classified documents to WikiLeaks, which then published them online, will now end May 17, just seven years into the sentence.

Snowden encouraged Manning to hold on just a short while longer.

In five more months, you will be free. Thank you for what you did for everyone, Chelsea. Stay strong a while longer! https://t.co/PaLvJDvDbl

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 17, 2017

Supporters have argued for Manning's release on health concerns because the Army delayed requests for hormone replacement therapy to aid the former Private Bradley Manning's transition to a woman while in prison.

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