US State Department spokesman Philip "PJ" Crowley has resigned after slamming the Pentagon's treatment of an American soldier suspected of leaking diplomatic cables and military documents to WikiLeaks as "counterproductive". "Given the impact of my remarks, for which I take full responsibility, I have submitted my resignation as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Spokesman for the Department of State," Mr Crowley said in a statement released by the State Department.
Mr Crowley said the Defence Department's treatment of Manning, which includes solitary confinement and being forced to sleep naked, "is ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid", BBC reporter Philippa Thomas wrote on her blog.
"Nonetheless Bradley Manning is in the right place," Mr Crowley said, adding "there is sometimes a need for secrets" to advance US diplomatic interests.
Later on Sunday, President Barack Obama insisted the Pentagon's treatment of Manning was appropriate.
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