The United Nations’ top official on torture has expressed new concern over the Obama administration’s thwarting of his effort to meet with alleged U.S. military whistleblower Army Private Bradley Manning. In a statement released by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Juan Mendez says: “I need to ascertain whether the conditions he was subjected to for several months in Quantico amounted to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. For that, it is imperative that I talk to Mr. Manning under conditions where I can be assured that he is being absolutely candid.” Manning was transferred from a prison at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, in April. It is widely believed he suffered extreme and unusual confinement in Virgina, including denial of exercise, social interaction, sunlight, and at times forced nudity.