Story highlights
Pfc. Bradley Manning is accused in the largest leak of classified documents in U.S. history
In February, he pleaded guilty to 10 of the 22 charges against him
He did not plead guilty to the most serious charge -- that of aiding the United States' enemies
Manning's supporters rallied at Maryland's Fort Meade on Saturday
Supporters of Pfc. Bradley Manning, accused in the largest leak of classified documents in U.S. history, have adopted the phrase: “I am Bradley Manning.”
But who is Manning? A whistle-blower? Or someone who aided the enemy in the midst of war?
Those and other questions go to trial Monday as Manning’s court-martial is scheduled to begin at Maryland’s Fort Meade.
Gallery: Key WikiLeaks figures as trial begins
In February, Manning, 25, pleaded guilty to 10 of the 22 charges against him and faces up to two decades in jail.
He did not plead guilty to the most serious charge – that of aiding the United States’ enemies, which carries the potential for a life sentence.
During the proceeding, Manning spent more than an hour reading a statement that detailed why and how he sent classified material to WikiLeaks, a group that facilitates the anonymous leaking of secret information through its website.
Manning said he passed on information that “upset” or “disturbed” him but didn’t give WikiLeaks anything he thought would harm the United States if it were made public.
“I believed if the public was aware of the data, it would start a public debate of the wars,” he told the court.
The U.S. military first detained Manning in May 2010 for leaking U.S. combat video – including a U.S. helicopter gunship attack posted on WikiLeaks – and classified State Department cables.
Manning was turned in by Adrian Lamo, a former hacker, whom Manning allegedly told about leaking the classified records.
In his statement to the court, Manning said he initially contacted The Washington Post and The New York Times to provide information.
He said he either wasn’t taken seriously or got voice mail, so he gave the material to WikiLeaks.
WikiLeaks has never confirmed that Manning was the source of its information.
On Saturday, Manning’s supporters rallied outside Fort Meade.
“People came from great distances to stand with a true American hero,” said Jeff Paterson, director of the Bradley Manning Support Network.
“From Bradley’s demeanor in court, it’s clear he takes strength from the outpouring of support.”
Manning was formally charged in February 2012.
On the eve of the court-martial, his lawyer, David Coombs, issued a rare public statement through his website.
He thanked those who raised money and awareness over the past three years, bringing “worldwide attention to this important case.”
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CNN’s Carol Cratty, Larry Shaughnessy and Mark Morgenstein contributed to this report.