A UN investigator on torture says US officials have blocked his requests for unmonitored visits to alleged Wikileaks whistleblower Bradley Manning. Juan Mendez said he was "disappointed and frustrated by the prevarication" he met from US officials.
Pte Manning, accused of leaking secret military and diplomatic cables, has been detained at a US marine base since May 2010. The 23-year-old's lawyers claim he has faced mistreatment at the base.
The US government "has not been receptive to a confidential meeting with Mr Manning", said Mr Mendez in a statement. He suggests the authorities will only allow him to visit Pte Manning at the Quantico Marine base in Virginia if officials are present.