PFC Manning is accused of disclosing classified information to unauthorized persons, a serious crime which carries a heavy prison sentence; and, as I understand it, he is also charged with "aiding the enemy" which carries a possible death sentence. Military members may disclose information about official misconduct to official investigative services such as the DoD Inspector General's Office (www.dodig.mil), or to a member of Congress; these communications are (theoretically at least) protected by the Military Whistleblower Protection Act. Even those types of permitted communications can often result in some type of retaliation against the "whistleblower." Also, persons who become aware of false monetary claims against the government can file sealed "Qui Tam" lawsuits in federal court and can receive a cash bounty if the information is substantiated.
