The alleged U.S. Army whistleblower Private Bradley Manning is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday more than a year and a half after his arrest for allegedly passing on classified diplomatic cables to WikiLeaks. Members of the Bradley Manning Support Network have announced plans for a march outside the gates of Fort Meade, Maryland, where Manning will face a military hearing. Kevin Zeese is an attorney with the Bradley Manning Support Network.

Kevin Zeese: “The people who should be prosecuted are not Bradley Manning. He’s accused of letting the truth out. He’s not accused of doing any criminal activity. He’s accused of letting the truth out, and he should be given an award for that, not prosecuted. He’s facing the death penalty, potentially. He’s facing the death penalty for exposing war crimes.”

Over 50 demonstrations around the world are planned for Saturday as part of a global day of solidarity to mark Manning’s 24th birthday.