Way cleared for Manning’s visit
Immigration NZ has granted American Chelsea Manning a special direction to apply for a work visa to New Zealand.
This clears her to apply for a work visa as any other visiting speaker would – a formality her promoters expect will be painless. Manning required a special direction for her speaking tour because she would fail the ‘‘good character’’ test in the Immigration Act, as she has been sentenced to a prison term of longer than five years.
The special direction was granted by an official, not the minister or associate minister.
Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison on espionage charges after leaking hundreds of thousands of United States military and diplomatic documents.
Her sentence was commuted by US President Barack Obama in early 2017, after she had served close to seven years in prison. ‘‘While Ms Manning was convicted of a serious offence and sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment, it was noted that her sentence was commuted by President Obama in January 2017,’’ Immigration general manager Steve Stuart said.
‘‘The assessment noted that Ms Manning has not reoffended since her release from prison and the likelihood of her offending while in New Zealand is considered low. It was also noted that she has travelled to a number of countries to speak at similar events and appears to have complied with the terms and conditions of any visas issued. In reaching the decision the officer could see no reason to believe Ms Manning would not comply with the terms and conditions of any visa issued by Immigration NZ. The decision to grant a special direction is at the absolute discretion of the decision maker.’’
National MP Michael Woodhouse, who called for Manning to be barred earlier this week, said he stood by his earlier comments and had nothing to add.
‘‘The matter is one of the exercise of discretion.’’ He didn’t believe Immigration NZ had come under any political influence to make the decision.
‘‘From my own experience, if the decision doesn’t reach the minister’s desk, then it is generally quite difficult to exert any political influence.’’
Manning’s leaks were never proved to have harmed any soldier, and a recent Pentagon analysis found they had no real strategic impact either.
Among bombshells revealed in the leaks was footage of a US military helicopter indiscriminately firing at men in Iraq, killing two journalists.
Australian officials have told Manning’s promoters they intend to bar Manning from visiting.
Chelsea Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison and her prison sentence was commuted by US President Barack Obama in early 2017.