BS: Schapelle Corby

Subject: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Keef
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 02:59 AM

As you would all know, Schapell Corby is facing life imprisonment or death for allegedly importing cannabis into Bali.
Like most people that I know, I am totally convinced that she is innocent. It defies logic that anyone would attempt to carry an unconcealed package with several Kilos of strong smelling dope, through Brisbane airport which has many sniffer dogs about, to take it to a country in which the street value is about 1 twentieth of that in Brisbane and which is well known to have harsh penalties. Added to that is the fact that anyone watching the demeanor of this poor girl throughout this ordeal can clearly see that she is telling the truth.
It seems that anti Australian sentiment in Indonesia is a major factor in this persecution. Abu Bakar Bashir has only been sentenced to two years and six months jail for helping to murder 283 people in Bali.
Our gutless government will do nothing because little Johnny Howard must be seen to be "tough on drugs". Come on mudcatters surely between us we can do SOMETHING to get her out of there.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: dianavan
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 03:34 AM

What about the mysterious death of the whistle-blower, Gary Lee-Rogers? Can't they put two and two together?

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:04 AM

They don't want to put two & two together. As Keef says they want to nail an Aussie. Now the've got nine of them, who really are drug smugglers, that might take a bit of the heat off Corby

BTW They aren't going for death, just life imprisonment.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:39 AM

any suggestions of what to do? any organised campaigns people can support
even if she's guilty I wouldn't want her to face the death penalty

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:39 AM

Another factor that works against Schapelle is that if her defence that someone has planted the drugs in her baggage should be accepted, then many other victims/culprits will be mounting the same defence.....big problem for the law enforcement around the world. This may be the reason that our government does not seem to be doing much at all.
The Bali 9 are in a different category again, and the timing of their arrests is a further misfortune for this girl.
Next time I travel overseas I'll be wearing a pair of speedos and taking   zero baggage. Even then I won't be going to Indonesia thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Keef
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:54 AM

Here is the email address for our beloved foreign affairs minister. Alexander Downer
[e-mail]
He probably has his spam filter on but it's worth a shot.
Just send him an email in your own words telling him what you think of this government's cowardly abandonment of an Australian citizen in the worst imaginable trouble overseas.
Just by showing that you care, it CAN make a difference.
Thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Keef
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:28 PM

Looks like this thread is in danger of dying also.
Does anybody care?

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:41 PM

Some of us do, but the number of Aussies you will reach here at Mudcat is very few - but you will bring it to the attention of a limited section of the International Community.

Perhaps we really need a 'protest song' about her situtation.

That's really what Mudcat is about: teach, don't preach. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Keef
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 06:43 AM

There is a young French citizen currently serving life in a Bali jail
for a similar "offence" under similar unlikely circumstances and convicted by very unreliable evidence. The Indonesian justice system subjects its suspects to a trial by ordeal.Schappelle has endured harsh questioning in tropical heat with cameras thrust in her face constantly. It is comparable to the show trials of Stalin or McCarthy   It places an impossible burden of proof of innocence upon the accused. This injustice is of importance not only to Australian citizens. This is indeed an attempt to bring this matter to the attention of the international community. The publicity given to the trial, and the unrelenting close up detail of this young woman's protestation of innocence would convince the most cynical observer that she is the victim of bag tampering.
The prosecution labels her refusal to confess as proof of guilt, and as a justification for harsh penalty.
This trial has covered exhaustively in Australia and has gained huge public sympathy for Schappelle. Because of the gutless response of the Australian government a conviction is still probable.
Excuse me if I cannot lighten up but this is one injustice too many for this observer.
Keef

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 08:18 AM

Today a folk song called "M.T.A" is still sung, many years after it was written for a short term political purpose and plunged itself onto the International Folk Music Scene, and the hit Parades - to help someone get elected to a local political office.

Write a good folk song, enjoyable to sing with a catchy tune, about a political situation and you will achieve much more than just preaching to the converted.

And remember, this is a Music Site for musos - post the song here, and it will go round the world rapidly.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: podman
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 12:21 PM

The picture of her pouty face and white spaghetti strap top, visible through the bars of gray, convinced me of her innocence.

petitionspot

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Azizi
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 12:40 PM

I'm just learned about this case as a result of your post.

It possible that other non-Aussie people here and elsewhere also just learning about it.

Here's a confession: Since the USA presidential fiasco, I have taken to reading as little national and international news as possible and I NEVER watch the news on television anymore [not bragging, but being honest. I can't stand any of the TV stations Cable or otherwise..Now I learn about what's going on now from visiting certain political blogs. But basically I'm trying to hibernate through these next 4 Bush years.

I KNOW this isn't a good response. I KNOW people still have a responsibility to try to make the world a better place...

I will try to do better about being more aware of what is going on politically in my nation and my world.

If Shapelle Corby is innocent, and it seems that way from what you are saying and from what I have read since you posted this, I hope that she finds justice..

But I am sooo discouraged about what is going on in the world now..This is one more discouraging example.

What do you suggest that non-Australians do?

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Keef
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 05:58 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Keef
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 06:19 AM

Thanks for the responses. Thank you foolestroupe. I am working on the song, I am in possesion of a lovely tenor voice but am a little short on the songwriting talents. How about a new thread...song for Schapelle.
In Australia the media coverage started off with Aussie girl busted for drugs in Bali. At that time probably the majority of Australians thought..so what, guilty, bloody idiot. Since the facts have come out about the unwillingness of authorities to investigate the facts, the improbability of her importing drugs to Indonesia, her own honest and heartbreaking appeals to be allowed home..99% of the Australian public believes her to be innocent. In Indonesia, where she has been portrayed as an evil Aussie Druggie, the figures are reversed. It seems to me that the Indonesian public needs to be asked to open their eyes and hearts to at least the possibility that a terrible injustice is being done.
If people around the world had seen the footage of the suffering of Schappelle, they would know why even normally apathetic Keef has been driven to the keyboard....Love you all

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST, Devil's Advocate
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 02:58 PM

Oh, the mournful cry of the capture drug smuggler..."It ain't mine!!"

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 07:57 PM

1) if you want do the whole song yourself - post your effort with a heading 'Lyr Add: xxxxxx'

2) if you want help, or to end up with a community effort - it would then be rude to try and claim exclusive copyright for yourself - post a thread with the heading 'Song Challenge: xxxxxxx'

3) a good catchy tune will always help - on old trad tune that is demonstrably out of copyright - before 1923 to be safe - will mean that you don't need the permission of the copyright owner, or you can do your own effort.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: DaveA
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 07:26 AM

As an Aussie, I have followed this case with some interest. Keef makes one good point - no-one in their right mind smuggles grass to Bali (that would be the equivilent of coals to Newcastle).
But that raises the real question. Who wanted to get 4 odd kilos of dope to Bali? Certainly the organised gangs wouldn't be involved - no point.

So is it possible that she might just be a foolish woman who actually thought she would take some stuff with her for her & her friends & to her horror got caught?? I don't know, but the fact remains that there is little motive for anyone else to be involved in the stuffup.

And very cynically, she is photogenic & not adverse to displaying her emotions to the media & that has certainly got frontpage coverage to what may well turn out to be another case of a Darwinian award candidate thinking "They'll never check my baggage"

Just my two cents worth

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Keef
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 06:01 PM

Once again for the skeptics. Street value in Australia of 4Kilos high quality buds is about $10 gram thats $40,000. Demand outstrips supply.
It would take an enthusiastic smoker several years to consume this amount so we can assume it was not for personal use. It is risky to have even a discreet toke in Indonesia because any local catching a whiff will go running for the police. The clear plastic bag was found on top of her boogie board, obvious as soon as the zip was pulled back. The explanation that- a baggage handler slipped in the package for the Brisbane-Sydney leg and due to a stuff up it was not removed in Sydney-is extremely likely. Both the Indonesian and Australian authorities have been asked to check for fingerprints or DNA evidence on the bag but have refused. Testing is still possible and could allow Schappelle to prove her innocence as required by Indonesian law.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,colin
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 09:31 PM

WE ALL KNOW SHE DID NOT DO THISCRIME --I AM CONFIDEND SHE WILL BE SET FREE--WHEN SHE COMES BACK TO AUSTRALIA LETS ALL MEET HER AND WELCOME HER HOME------LETS ALL GIVE HER A BIG ROUND AF APPLAUSE

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 10:47 PM

Funny how the Airline refused to hand over the survellience tapes, then when they finally agreed, it appeared that they had been wiped as part of a routine process of reusing the tapes.... conspiracies abound.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,annonamous
Date: 03 May 05 - 11:06 PM

come on people leave the poor lady alone she didnt do it. it was her gay boyfriend who set her up so let here go and kill the gay boyfriend

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Amergin
Date: 03 May 05 - 11:28 PM

Well, I ain't an Ozzie yet....but I have been followinig this with interest...as well as the infamous Bali Nine...I strongly believe this young woman is innocent...especially in light of the other stories coming out....like that handler wearing the camel head that was in a passenger's bag....I hope that at least the Australian government does some deal with Indonesia...behind the scenes....let them make an example of her....and then transfer her home.

Now the bali nine I don't care about those scumbags....they can die.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 May 05 - 01:45 AM

Death or life for cannibis??? You gotta be kidding! Aussie Gubmint, get yer arses in GEAR!

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST
Date: 04 May 05 - 10:09 PM

The Australian government takes the line that we must respect the decision of the Indonesian justice system, and that in the unlikely event of Schappelle being allowed to be transfered to an Australian prison then she would serve the full sentence that has been imposed.
A forensic examination of the bag of dope would have allowed Schappelle the chance to prove her innocence. This has not been allowed. There is no motive, there is no evidence to convict, except for the fact that the dope was in her bags on arrival. By any reasonable standard of fairness and justice this girl has not received a fair trial.
A person travelling on the passport of any country would expect that their government would take a much stronger line to protest the unfair treatment of its citizens.
If she was returned to serve her sentence in Australia you can expect a large crowd armed with sledgehammers to knock down the walls of the prison..you can count me in.
Keef

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: dianavan
Date: 05 May 05 - 01:44 AM

If I were Australian, I'd be afraid to travel abroad. This doesn't say much for your freedom to travel. Looks pretty risky to me if your government won't protect you when you haven't had a fair trial. Where is that at? What does that say about your own freedom?

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Amergin
Date: 11 May 05 - 04:17 PM

Some more food for thought....

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Keef
Date: 12 May 05 - 05:42 AM

The information that is coming out each day showing the involvement of baggage handlers in drug smuggling adds even more credence to Schappelle's claim of innocence. Sadly it looks as though the judge is unimpressed. Her witness's evidence is dismissed as hearsay and yet the hearsay evidence of the Indonesian customs officer pointing to her guilt is accepted without dispute. Listening to Schappelle giving her evidence it is obvious to any English speaker that she is only speaking the truth. The judge does not have a good understanding of English and must rely on a translator. He surely cannot be able to judge her truthfulness
so well because of this. The facts speak for themselves. Happy unstressed photos with friends at Brisbane airport, off for a nice holiday. No possibility of profiting from export of drugs. Confirmed evidence of corrupt baggage handlers. Package could still be forensically tested to prove a connection with baggage handlers and to eliminate Schappelle from involvement. Why are the Federal police so unhelpful???? The Howard government SUCKS.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Hrothgar
Date: 12 May 05 - 06:28 AM

I'm inclined to think Corby's chances of getting off aren't too bad.

The Indonesians want to nail an Aussie, for lots of reasons.

The Australian Federal Police don't mind seeing an Aussie get nailed in Indonesia, because it does discourage people from smuggling dope from there.

The Bali Nine - on what I've seen so far, and let's bear in mind the presumption of innocence - will be a lay down misere for the prosecution.

Why should they bother convicting Corby, where there are a lot of doubts, when they have a whole bunch of Aussies they can roast without the mudfight that will ensue if Corby is convicted?

The Bali Nine might save Corby.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 May 05 - 10:58 AM

Isn't Oz still under the titular leadership of the British monarch? If I remember rightly people have had more luck getting the royals to intervene than the government. Perhaps a well placed word in the right ears may get Liz or Charlie to jump up and down a bit at the mistreatment of one of their subjects!

Just a thought.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Amergin
Date: 12 May 05 - 04:16 PM

I don't think anyone could get Charlie to hop off his favourite horse for a few moments to intervene in anything.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 05 - 05:54 PM

Corby learns her verdict today...they'll convict.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 07:19 PM

I have to say I think I agree.

It was pretty ominous when the judge said that Australians should respect the judgement. Seemed as if it had already been made.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 05 - 08:33 PM

the case was just a smoke screen...those judges made up their minds as soon as she first appeared in court...it's a black comedy.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 09:16 PM

I've got the day off today. I'm cooking a Spotted Dick. I've got the TV on for pictures and the radio on ABC for commentary.
It's just like Bledisloe Cup time. A regular circus. I'll keep you informed. It's just gone 11.00 and the're waiting for the Corby entouraqe to arrive at court.

Wait a minute. She's just arrived. Ha! They organised all the press at one door and brought her in through another. The excitement of it all. Oh-oh, we just lost Tracy Bowden mid-sentence. Now we are waiting for the judges to arrive.

That's it for now. Back to the kitchen. More as it happens. You read it here first.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 09:36 PM

Well the judges have lobbed and are preparing to read their judgement. It's 79 pages long and written in a foreign language so it could be some time before we get some sense out of it.

I've mixed up the ingredients and am waiting for the water to boil.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 09:43 PM

Schapelle's translator was late. Her people approached the ABC for a loan of their translator. Imagine the panic.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 09:58 PM

The judgement is now being read. The ABC has gone to a story about full moon fishing. The TV is persisting but it's not rivetting television. The Spotted Dick is in the water cooking.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: JennyO
Date: 26 May 05 - 10:07 PM

Gawd, this reading of the charges is going on forever. If it's nailbiting for us, just imagine what it must be like for her! She looks to be keeping it together at the moment, but it must be really harrowing.

There are three charges - one bringing the death penalty. the prosecution have asked for life, but the judge has the power to impose the death penalty. The second charge brings a maximum of 15 years, and the third charge, possession, which seems to me to be the most likely one where she might be found guilty, carries a maximum of 10 years. If she is convicted, it will be requested for her to be moved to a gaol in Australia, but this process could take months at least.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 10:38 PM

From what I'm hearing by way of commentary, it seems the result will depend on which of the defense or prosecution has the weakest case, rather than the strongest. It seems they have both made a meal of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: JennyO
Date: 26 May 05 - 11:41 PM

The verdict:

Guilty of the crime of importation of a class one narcotics, and the sentence is 20 years in gaol.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: JennyO
Date: 26 May 05 - 11:45 PM

Oh boy, that's tough! I guess they will have to start appeals now. . She's hugging her family, but she has to go straight back to gaol. Oh this is heartbreaking!

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 26 May 05 - 11:45 PM

There will be an appeal, and apparently evidence can be admitted at the appeal which was not used first time around.

Man. 20 years.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:21 AM

So you go for a holiday in a foreign country that is renowned for its hard line on drug trafficking.
On arrival at the airport a customs official pulls a bag of drugs out of your luggage. (It may be yours, or you may never have seen it before.)
You say "That's mine."

Eh?

She was stitched up.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Amergin
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:52 AM

Those scumbag judges have no knowledge of the word "justice".

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Amergin
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:53 AM

Needless, to say it does give me concern when I come over next month....I stop for a layover in Sydney...lucky me. I'm locking my bag.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: John O'L
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:17 AM

I'm down to my last joint.

Have to go and see my baggage handler tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 27 May 05 - 05:33 AM

Fucking who cares, let her rot!

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Hrothgar
Date: 27 May 05 - 07:48 AM

Only ten years for murdering a couple of hundred people in the Bali bombing.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:46 AM

Question: Was she known as a drug trafficker of any sort?
Questioo: If it WAS her own, why would she not take the precaution of at least locking her bag or of dividing the stuff into samall packets and hiding it deep inside her luggage?
Question: How long was she planning to visit in Indonesia?
Question: How long would it take to smoke NINE pounds of cannabis?

Odd.

Subject: RE: BS: Schapelle Corby
From: DonMeixner
Date: 27 May 05 - 04:23 PM

I read this story recently on a news listing from AOL. And I have read this thread here. I does wonder me how anyone would go to a foriegn country noted for their incredibly intolerant justice system and knowing that they could be excecuted for carrying in some weed that grows wild the world round.

I have no way of knowing her guilt or innocence. And the law is the law, no matter how Draconian or corrupt it may be. In the US for most crimes, pot crimes included, it is up to the State or law enforcement system to prove guilt. AS I read this article it is up to the accused to prove innocence. The deck appears stacked.

I wish this young woman well. Twenty years is a bit stiff for a pot conviction, even for this amount. And I hope her innocence is proven quickly.

How often are international travelers told to let nothing out of their sight for this very reason. How many have unwitingly carried a bomb or drugs aboard a plane.

I know people who take nothing abroad but what they can carry on. They buy what ever they need overseas in the way of underwear and toiletries and they leave it behind when they return.

I don't fly. But if I did I would certainly avoid most of the third world in large part for this very reason.

Don