Schapelle Corby: read her book ‘My Story’ - wrongful imprisonment or badluck?

November 28th, 2006

Buy this Book

With the question over her innocence or guilt remaining a controversial question, I have put to together an exhaustive list of resources in order to get a better understanding of the situation.

So what’s my verdict? I think the odds are that she is guilty. And before I run the risk of being labelled a redneck simpleton, let me explain…

The facts say she got caught red handed with drugs, which sucks for her, and her family. Some of Australia’s best sentiment and I dare say some pretty hot lawyers too have not been able to convince the Bali court otherwise. The facts simply don’t go in her favour. Note: I mean facts as in documented reports, I do understand that documents and reports are not always right.

So according to law, and according to the rules, Schapelle Corby is guilty as charged. That is the reality, and like it or not, that is what is happening right now.

Okay, i’ve talked abut the technicalities, but here’s how I feel about the matter;

“The Indonesian government are BASTARDS”

There’s a word in the english language called clemency, which simply means granting mercy due to related circumstances. How hard would of it been for the Bali government to say “In light of how much Australia is begging for the return of Ms Corby, we will grant clemency”. Simple. But of course the rebuttal to that may be “oh but if they let one Aussie out of jail to go back home, they’ll have to do it for all they’re prisoners…” Bullshit! There are many legal and PR methods, MANY, that would avoid any such backlash…

furthermore, why is it easier to send 100’s of
troops to Iraq than it is to bring home a 20 something
year old girl caught with a bit of pot? …gimme a break.

In summary; the facts may say she’s guilty, sure. But the Bali government really pissed us Aussies of by showing no clemency. And worse still, what did the Australian government do? Well they let us people down.

Even the Romans use to periodically set a prisoner free. And do you know why? Because it made the people happy. And what are governments for? Yeah, you guessed it.

UPDATE: Neville Wright has provided this link to help spread the word, check it out http://www.myaustralia.ws/spreadword.htm

Below are resources and links to all things Schapelle Corby, please make sure to leave your comments.

Dedicated to Schapelle Corby - An Australian Imprisoned in Indonesia
since October 2004. She has now been sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
SHE IS INNOCENT. Learn about Schapelle and her circumstances and
consider if there is anything you can do to help. The Freedom Network
was established to mount a letter writing campaign in persuit of
justice for Schapelle. Please visit
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/schapellefn for more info or to join.

More Information: http://www.schapellecorby.blogspot.com/

On 25 August 2006, Schapelle Corby appeared before the judges of the Denpasar District
Court on an extraordinary appeal. Her lawyers submitted a letter from
an Australian government official that CCTV cameras were operating at
Sydney airport on the day she left, and indicated that they hoped that
footage (although none seems to exist) would show drugs being put into
Corby’s bag. Corby’s lawyers also alleged that the trial court did not
have evidence of actual ownership of the drugs and so erred in
convicting her. The judges agreed to wait ten days to see if such
footage turns up before sending the record to the Supreme Court, which
is expected to rule in several months. There is no possibility of this
appeal increasing the term of Corby�s current sentence. However, should
the attempt fail, her sole recourse is clemency from Indonesia’s
president–but Corby would have to admit guilt to apply.
[14]
More Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schapelle_Corby

I have always thought Schapelle Corby was innocent. Now, having
read Schapelle’s book - ‘My Story, I am even more convinced of her
wrongful imprisonment for a crime she did not commit. I urge all caring
Australians to read her book - and make a more informed judgement than
many people of influence would have had you believe otherwise…Caring
Australians have been grossly let down by a whole raft of people who
could have made a difference to the outcome of Schapelle’s trial, and
appeals. Qantas corporate heads could have done more to ensure all the
correct procedural checks, had been urgently implemented. Instead they
ran for cover rather than see their inadequate security systems
exposed. Your senior police chiefs likewise have let her down as hard
core criminals would have been given more credence than she was
afforded.
More Information: http://www.usp.com.au/fpss/case-schapelle_corby.html

This site was established on 9th April, 2005 to serve as an
information, commentary and resources site to aid in the growing
campaign to “free Schapelle Corby”.The purpose of this site is
two-fold.
More Information: http://www.schapellecorby.org/

The final breach of Corby’s rights came from the Balinese
court itself, most notably Linton Sirait the chief judge
in her trial. Indonesian Courts work, or should work
on the basis of innocent until proven guilty and burden
of proof. Because the Balinese police destroyed any
fingerprint evidence / proof that Corby actually handled
the drugs, Corby’s rights were clearly violated as the
burden of proof quite obviously had never been satisfied
by the prosecution / police, as all they had was flawed
/ compromised evidence. But what made it much worse
was a clear indication that the judge, Linton Sirait,
had decided Schapelle Corby should be found guilty even
before the trial as he told Corby’s defense team that
they had not done enough to prove her innocence. Indonesian
law states that a person is innocent until proven guilty,
but judge Linton Sirait’s words indicate her fate was
pre-agreed. Unfortunately, you may be unaware of this,
but trials for such matters in Indonesia are not decided
by juries, but by the judges who have one of the worst
reputations for corruption, incompetence and self-interest
anywhere in the world.
More Information: http://www.fugly-bali.org/schapelle-corby.html

They refused a defence request to show new evidence to back their claim that Ms Corby’s luggage was tampered with.
Ms Corby was arrested in October after 4.1kg (9lbs) of marijuana were found in her bags at Bali airport.
More Information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4539345.stm

There’s a Letter of protest on the Barry Gibb
’s web site dated May 29 2005: ‘I would like
to add my voice of outrage to the millions of Australians all over the
world. This horrifying act of punishment against Schapelle
Corby is totally out of order and must be condemned by the civilized
world. I find myself in profound disbelief that a country of
such beautiful people can be so inhumane, and that a country which has
suffered so much this year from tragedy can go from such a
sense of loss to such wilful cruelty on another human being. You have
not only sentenced this young girl to a dreadful existence
you have also sentenced her family and slapped the national face of the
country who so much helped you during your time of
crisis. I call on all people to write and e-mail your outrage to the
office of the Prime Minister of Australia in the hope that
there can yet be a happy ending to this awful story. I would like to
send my deepest sympathy and total support to Schapelle
Corby and her entire family. Mr Howard please act to bring this girl
home safely. Sincerely, Barry Gibb and Family’.
More Information: http://www.answers.com/topic/schapelle-corby

My name is Eddie Hutauruk and I have been running tours in Bali for
over 8 years. Schapelle Corby Tours is our latest venture, and is fully
respectful of Schapelle and her situation.
More Information: http://www.schapellecorbytours.com/

The eclipse on 14th October at 21 Libra no doubt had some affect on her
chart, eclipses can often be felt a week ahead and bring significant
events and once again it is to do with her north node at 19 Libra. Her
Solar arc Pluto was at 7 31′ Scorpio - conjunct natal Uranus, and Solar
arc Jupiter at 17 49′ Cancer - conjunct her natal Sun, and Solar arc Mars
at 20 43′ Gemini , conjunct natal Jupiter. These all reinforce the themes
of massive transformation events that are visible to the world.
More Information: http://www.astrologyhome.com/Articles/schapelle_corby.htm
Schapelle Corby

Airport baggage handlers have come under the spotlight in the trial
of accused Gold Coast drug smuggler Schapelle Corby. But they say
they’ve been hurt and slighted by the remarks, and point the finger at
other possible players. …more
More Information: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/corby/

Ah yes. Never mind everything else Schapelle wrote in the book
about Qantas, Tampoe, Bakir, Keelty et al. A “cat fight”, a “feud”,
making the book sound less about her case and more like a petty fall
out between thieves based upon that one or was it two paragraphs about
Michelle Leslie (much like the “Corby blasts Bali Nine” story) is
apparently a lot more interesting to the media.
More Information: http://www.schapellecorby.com/showthread.php?p=3018#post3018

John Patrick Ford, the Australian prisoner who testified at
Schapelle Corby�s Bali drug trafficking trial, has been convicted of 11
charges relating to the rape and assault of a woman. Ford�s trial was
postponed to allow him to travel to Bali in the custody of Australian
Federal Police officers to testify that he had overheard a jailhouse
confession. Ford alleged he had heard another prisoner claim ownership
of the marijuana found in Corby�s possession. He told the Balinese
court that Corby was the victim of an Australian domestic inter-airport
drug-smuggling operation. She is currently serving a 20-year prison
term after being convicted in that case.
More Information: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Portal:Australia/Schapelle_Corby

It is disgusting and barbaric in this day and age that a ‘death
Penalty by firing squad’ law exists, and that an Australian citizen
should be subject to it. This law is out-dated and inhumane, and
considering that convicted terrorist Abu Bakar Bashir has only been
sentenced to two years and six months jail (with the prospect of
appeal) for his proven ‘conspiracy’ participation in the Bali bombings
that killed 183 people, in the same country, it is inconsistent and
absurd that another person should face the death penalty for allegedly
smuggling cannabis into the country. Furthermore, the Australian
Government and airlines should be taking more responsibility for this
incident in any case, since it is the fault of the Australian
airlines/airport that the drugs even left Australia in the first place
- which also leaves us to ponder on the security and possible internal
corruption of staff working at Australian airports, in light of drug
smuggling and terrorism. We the undersigned demand that the Australian
Government, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, act
responsibly to ensure that, innocent or guilty, Schapelle Corby is
returned to Australia and that she does NOT face the ‘death penalty by
firing Squad’ in Indonesia.
More Information: http://www.hoax-slayer.com/schapelle-corby-email-petition.html

Schapelle is being detained in Kerobokan prison in Denpasar, Bali
in appalling, inhumane conditions. She is distraught at her
predicament, which is compounded by the fact that her father is dying
of cancer. Her distress at being unable to support her sick father,
while knowing that she is innocent, is a terrible burden for her to
bear. Her family visits her each day and brings her meals and bottled
water because hygienic, nourishing food and clean water are not
available within the prison. It is feared that continued ill health may
endanger her life. Schapelleâ€™s mother has sold her
Gold Coast business and is struggling to make ends meet in supporting
Schapelle throughout her detainment.
More Information: http://www.schapellecorby.org/sasg.html

On October 8, 2004 Australian beauty school student Schapelle Corby
was arrested in the airport in Denpasar, on the Indonesian island of
Bali, with about 9 pounds of marijuana in her carry-on bag. Police in
Indonesia say she acted nervous in the customs section of the airport
and didn t want to open the bag. Corby swears she had no idea the
contraband was in her bag and doesn t know how it got there and many
people in both Australia and Bali believe her.
More Information: http://goasia.about.com/od/indonesia/a/corby.htm

Another factor that may reflect the whole incident
is progressed Mars in Gemini closely opposing Neptune, the latter associated
with all kinds of substance use and abuse. Criss-crossing this opposition
and creating a grand cross, is solar arc Saturn, progressed Mercury
(ruling 12th) opposed by transiting Uranus. This is a fascinating
pattern and comes into exactitude in March 2006, on and off until January
2007. It could signal some sort of freedom that is brought about through
Uranian influences. Uranus is esoteric or soul ruler of Corby?s Libra
rising.
More Information: http://www.esotericastrologer.org/EA%20Essays/EAessaysPGL19.htm

Drug Activists in Indonesia are calling for the death penalty for
Schapelle Corby…for allegedly importing 9 pounds of pot into Bali.
They say the Government should make an example of her. As we explain in
the original post below, Schappelle maintains her innocence and is
awaiting the judges verdict. We will be bumping this post frequently as
new information becomes available to call attention to her plight.
More Information: http://www.talkleft.com/story/2005/05/14/052/08667

Just two queries for you Peter on your ‘First off’ para. Why would
Schapelle Corby smuggle dope from Australia to Indonesia when this
would result in a massive financial *loss*? And why did she choose not
to take a direct flight? Why travel through two airports if you are
smuggling drugs?
More Information: http://pc.blogspot.com/2005/05/schapelle-corby-is-collateral-damage.html

Schapelle Corby’s personal appearance, as far as I can see, has
proved a major stumbling block to her, because of the attitudes of
people who somehow find it relevant to the facts. The press lit on it
immediately; she looks great on television, and it has done her case no
good at all. Finally, BruceIR, perhaps you could take some time out to
reflect on the fact that long eyelashes over big green eyes are always
going to be a noticeable feature of those who possess them. Try not to
make the all-too-common male mistake of taking it personally when an
attractive woman blinks in your presence.
More Information: http://forums.homeless.org.au/showthread.php?t=264

I urge you to also contact the Indonesian Consulate in Australia and let
them know you plan to boycott traveling to Bali unless they set Schapelle
Leigh Corby free. (I have not had luck finding a direct contact to the
Indonesian Consulate within Indonesia. If anyone out there happens to
know, please email it to me at: rboje@hotmail.com and I will circulate this as well.)

More Information: http://www.reneeboje.com/baliwoman.html

Like I have sad to the Aussie I can smell a rat in this case and they
agree with me as the Prosecutors say she was Caught Red handed so
there was not need to fingerprint the bag Marijuana Bag this is
a load of rubbish as any one could put it in her bag ask yourself Why Victorian
prisoner John Ford that gave evidence in the Schapelle Corby case has
been stabbed in the stomach by other prisoners in the past .The lawyer
said the attacks were a direct result of Ford’s participation in the
Corby drugs case in Bali I can Smell a rat I think he know who put the
Marijuana in Schapelle Corby bag.
More Information: http://www.schapelle.co.nz/

This is in pretty bad taste, but kind of funny nevertheless, in a
twisted kind of way. A guy in Bali named Eddie Hutauruk claims to be
offering guided tours that allow you to visit Schapelle Corby in her
jail cell. (For those who don’t recognize who Schapelle Corby is, she’s
the Australian woman who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for
supposedly trying to import 4.1 kg of cannabis into Bali. The cannabis
was found in her luggage. A lot of people think she’s innocent, and
that the cannabis was put in her luggage by baggage handlers at the
airport who were part of a drug-smuggling ring.) The Schapelle Corby
tours offer a variety of options. The photo tour gives you just enough
time to pose for a photo with her, or you can opt for the more
expensive All Day Tour:
More Information: http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/comments/4039

Free Schapelle Corby! : CafePress.com
More Information: http://www.cafepress.com/freeschapelle

The key to this is patience. If her birth-time is accurate, which it looks
to be (credit to Australian astrologer Nancy Dunn), then Schapelle has
yet to be free of the conjunction of her progressed Sun (identity, vitality)
to the limitations of Saturn (confinement, obstruction). It does not
ease until the second half of 2007. It’s during that year that the planet
of sudden liberation, Uranus, will by transit form an opportunistic
trine to her birth Sun/Midheaven. Additionally the planet of affections,
Venus, will favourably trine Uranus by progression. Added testimony
are the travel planets, Jupiter and Neptune, aligning with each other
strongly suggesting that she will travel again. Next time with a more
fortunate outcome! But there is still the hurdle of time. But then Lindy
Chamberlain endured three years behind bars. Her release was an unexpected
surprise ending, not unlike her conviction. Schapelle, if she can tough
it out, may experience the same.
More Information: http://www.edtamplin.com/articles/Schapelle%20Corby.htm

The world has joined Australians in the outcry over the recent
20-year sentence handed down to Schapelle Corby, a 27-year-old Aussie
woman arrested after Indonesian airport officials found 9 pounds of
marijuana in her bag. Since Corby’s arrest in October 2004, Australian
investigations have confirmed reports of a drug-smuggling operation at
one airport and Corby’s defense presents this as explanation as to why
the drugs were found in her bag. Yet Corby’s lawyers were unable to
introduce this and other evidence in the Indonesian court where she was
tried - information that many think would have absolved her of a guilty
verdict as a victim of trafficking gone awry. Indonesian prosecution
pushed for the death penalty according to the Southeast Asian country’s
strict drug laws, but the three-judge panel instead gave a then-hopeful
Corby 20 years in prison.
More Information: http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/4305811

More Resources

Schapelle Corby

Corby case

death penalty

Ms Corby

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4539345.stm

Public Profile

Australian Government

Australian media

Free Schapelle Corby

Indonesian court

Indonesian media

Latest News

prison sentence

SCHAPELLE CORBY CASE

support Schapelle

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14 Responses to “Schapelle Corby: read her book ‘My Story’ - wrongful imprisonment or badluck?”

terry ricks Says:
November 28th, 2006 at 4:59 am
i have been to bali in 1998 and the people were so great i cant beleave the court system is so primitive and so stupid to not see wot goes on in airports world wide she could have got drugs anywere why the hell would she risk her life and take it from australia where you are checked for everything since september 11
the judge should be in jail for not letting justise take its course this is 2006 grow a brain judges and let her live wot life she has left you no this is bullshit
Neville Wright Says:
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:15 am
Good collection of resources. I would just like to add my own site. This site is dedicated to Shcapelle’s cause. There is an email facility where anyone can spread the word about the corruption of the Bali police and their hand in dealing out the sentence. You will also find other links in addition to those listed on this site. We need to help the Bali people get rid of the corruption that is holding back their economy and way of life. Read the message on the website.
Nev
Aussie Blogger Says:
December 3rd, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Thanks for your comment Neville. I’m more than happy to post your link on the site, just leave a comment with the link in it and I will add it ASAP. Cheers mate.
Neville Wright Says:
December 3rd, 2006 at 1:08 pm
This is the link to a semi automated email that cen be sent from the website. Juse add the recipients name and send.

http://www.myaustralia.ws/spreadword.htm

Thanks
Nev
David Wolf Says:
December 4th, 2006 at 3:42 am
The problem with this case is that after repeated requests the Bali Police refused to weigh her luggage and compare the weightwith the weight on her ticket. What this did was to prevent her from proving that the marijuana was not in her luggage when she checked in her bags. The fact that she asked for this to be done indicates she was innocent since the truth would have been known right away. My question is why wasn’t it the Bali Police insisting that her luggage be weighed since they needed a second piece of evidence and had to make do with hearsay from a customs officer. Regardless, when the Bali Police prevented Schapelle from having this evidence, they prevented her from the only legal defence that could save her. They determined what evidence the court would or would not consider. Therefore the guilty verdict was predetermined and the trial was a sham. Did the Bali Police control her lawyers as well? Because they never mentioned this at all. Worse, our government through Professor Tim Lindsey knew all about it but like the 200,000 East Timorese before her, Schapelle was expendable.
Denise Gould Says:
February 4th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
If she is guilty which I think she is not, she does not deserve to live in inhumane conditions, when murderers only get
3 - 4 years over there,
I do not think she would risk her life and take drugs into another country, she knew the law as has been there many times
before,
The Courts in Bali did not even give her a fair trial or listen to her or finger print the bag etc, everything was against her
as they just wanted her to be found guilty so for this she should be set FREE!!
littleozzybloke Says:
February 14th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Well, that jodie powers really opened a bag of wriggly worms….
why?….seems the crap hit the fan when the family asked for the donations she collected on her site from supporters….

so why didn’t the corby family get it?..

http://www.fairbloodydinkum.com
still supporting Schapelle…
David Wolf Says:
February 14th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
We are debating the guilt or innocence of Mercedes on Television. Why wasn’t Jodie Powers prevented from leaving the country since she is a material witness to criminal activities in Australia. When was the last time you saw television debate an ongoing criminal case. The point is that it is not an ongoing criminal case. The AFP and the police don’t seem to be interested. Very strange and a first for this country. Soon the Australian people will wake up to the fact that Schapelle’s conviction was political and that the true perpetrators, the Bali Police , are politically sensitive. They will wake up to the fact that the Australian government has never investigated the Corbys because they already know that they are not involved in the criminal activities that could result in Schapelle taking the drugs to Bali. The very fact that Channel 7 could air that program proves that the police had no intention of investigating.
Anna Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Schapelle innocent, WHAT A GREAT BIG LIE!! I have followed stories about this incident and came to the conclusion that SHE ISN’T INNOCENT. What a snaky charmer!! She is guilty as sin this dumb Scapelle and I can’t believe the stupid herd that follows all her lies! I hope God will punish you for your sins Scapelle!
Matt Emery Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Anna, you accuse somebody of being guilty without bringing any evidence to the table for us to look at, and then you sanction a religious deity to punish her for these alleged actions?

I do not know if she is guilty or not, and I doubt that you do either. You seem to have missed the point of the article which is; prisoner transfer and clemency.

I appreciate your frustration, I seriously do. But this topic is not so much about her as an individual, as it is about the principle - no matter who the person might be.
Anna Says:
April 4th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Matt,

What evidence do you have of her being innocent. Most people here act as herd following some belief that she is innocent. Apparently, she had been convicted before for 1 year as she was caught drug smuggling. She had been brought to this country and then given the “loose hand” by our stupid government. Because she is of Australian blood, the media protects her fiercly and has not published any of these details. I am inclined to think that the story of Maceities (however that is spelt) is true, as I think that Schapelle lied through her teeth when pleanding innocent. Plus her background would confirm these suspicions. Why wasn’t she a CEO of a company, had that happened yes I would thihk that she/he is innocent. But in this case, her background, her past as a convicted drug smuggler and the stories of her friends say it all, I’m afraid!!!
Matt Emery Says:
April 4th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
@ Anna

“What evidence do you have of her being innocent.”

I do not claim that she is innocent. Read my comment.

Also, I am not arguing against your opinion.

Your second comment made a lot more sense than your first one, and in the interest of ‘rational debate’ I hope to see more like it, from everyone. I only jumped on your comment because I was annoyed at the viciousness that wasn’t backed up by reason.

Perhaps she is guilty as sin… but what i’m mostly interested in is; does that matter to most people? I would argue that it doesn’t, and therein is the peculiarity that I want to explore.

It’s a case of justice Vs tribalism (patriotism) - and this case highlights that moral dilemma massively. I think the Corby case will be remembered mostly for that, rather than for her guilt or innocence.
LittleOzzyBloke Says:
April 5th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I don’t think the main issue now is whether she is guilty or not…but the length of her sentence….20 years, even for a bit of pot..thats pretty ridiculous..seeing others get less for much more serious crimes…like murder…or smuggling heavy drugs…

but how do you expect compassion or intelligence from a bunch of monkeys that play dress up as judges…
Nick Kasli Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I’m going to Bali next week from Jakarta - I hear the prison food is pretty crap there, do you think they will let me bring her a Mrs. Macs?

Aussie Matt

The Aussie Jewel of the Great Australian Dream