February 9, 2014
A famous baseball player once said: It ain't over till the fat lady sings. Well, she sang, and the ball-game is over. Schapelle Corby walked out of her Bali prison today a free woman- subject to the conditions of her parole. She will remain on the island of Bali as part of those conditions until 2017, and will reportedly be under the care of her sister Mercedes. There is just one problem.
On her release from prison she was set upon by a large pack of reporters, who were tripping over each other in the hopes of getting a photo of Corby. It reminded me of the media frenzy of the Corby trials years ago. Schapelle it seems is once again at the mercy of the media. Hopefully her family can insulate her from the press, and give her some time to adjust to life on the outside. However, hiding out on a small island is easier said than done. It is quite possible she will make herself available to the media sometime up the road, but in the meantime- the media should give her some time to get her bearing, and have the good manners to stay the hell away from her.
Congratulations to Schapelle- hers and the prayers of her many supporters have been answered. Long overdue, but better late than never.
Schapelle Corby
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Schapelle Corby Waits For Parole Hearing Results
February 4, 2014
It's been just about 1 year since I posted that parole for Schapelle Corby does not look like it will happen. Well things change. There have been some great developments since then- including Corby being cleared by immigration, and news of a parole hearing behind closed doors. Schapelle's supporters are hoping she is released very soon, and that could be just a matter of days away. How the parole hearing went has not been made public, but it's just a matter of time- hopefully a very short time, to see if Corby makes it to freedom.
If granted parole, Schapelle would have to stay in Bali and live with her sister who is a resident there. To say the least, her release is long overdue. If released on parole she will have served about 9 years of her sentence. Hopefully she will be set free very soon. I wish her the best of luck on this.
It's been just about 1 year since I posted that parole for Schapelle Corby does not look like it will happen. Well things change. There have been some great developments since then- including Corby being cleared by immigration, and news of a parole hearing behind closed doors. Schapelle's supporters are hoping she is released very soon, and that could be just a matter of days away. How the parole hearing went has not been made public, but it's just a matter of time- hopefully a very short time, to see if Corby makes it to freedom.
If granted parole, Schapelle would have to stay in Bali and live with her sister who is a resident there. To say the least, her release is long overdue. If released on parole she will have served about 9 years of her sentence. Hopefully she will be set free very soon. I wish her the best of luck on this.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Schapelle Corby Burned Again
February 2, 2013
Well it seems like Indonesia just doesn't want to let that girl go. They're hanging on to Schapelle Corby like she was some kind of national treasure. Parole for Corby now seems like a dead issue, thanks to a recent Indonesian law that states a convict "Corruptors" must become a 'justice collaborator' and help investigators discover others involved in the crime one is convicted of. In short, that means you have to 'rat out' everyone who may have been involved in your crime, in order to be paroled. And according to Justice minister Amir Syamsuddin, Corby hasn't done that yet.
There is just one problem with the above as I see it- What if Schapelle Corby is not guilty to begin with? Who then can she put the finger on? As the Indonesian authorities well know, Corby has proclaimed her innocence for the last 8 years. Now I'm not saying that the new law was put into affect simply to confound Schapelle's chances for parole...but it does make me wonder.
Maybe it's just me, but Indonesia seems really determined to keep this girl locked up on the island of Bali for as long as they can. Granted, the Indonesian president did cut 5 years off her sentence, but considering that the sentence of 20 years for pot smuggling was insanely excessive to begin with- that's not a big deal. Twenty years for pot smuggling makes the sentence of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot for a political protest in a Moscow church, seem like an act of mercy.
Serving over 8 years so far is obviously not enough time for Corby though. A woman with no criminal record, and with ample evidence showing she probably didn't commit the crime anyway, it's just a very sad overkill. Considering the fact that this young woman has serious mental health issues now, I don't think trying to make an example of her puts Indonesia in a good light. And it doesn't make Australia look too slick either.
It seems Australia is content to leave Corby to her fate. Despite the fact that half the country thinks she's guilty for the most ridiculous reasons, most people in Australia think she has done more than enough time and should be released. However, at the present time it doesn't look like release for Corby is possible, thanks to new restrictions on foreigners getting parole in Indonesia. So what, if anything, is Australia going to do now about Schapelle Corby? Well, in the past they have done just about nothing, but hopefully that can change. Why isn't there anymore talk of an exchange of prisoners? You know, like the Aussies give up ten Indonesian people smugglers, and get Corby in return. Is that not possible? Of course it is. The Australian government has claimed that it is doing everything they can for Schapelle Corby. Really? It doesn't look like it. Has Australia offered an exchange of prisoners- have they even considered that option? It seems clear at this point in time that Indonesia is going to make Corby do her full sentence, unless the Australian government makes some kind of serious effort to bring this woman home. Make an official offer to the Indonesians for a prisoner exchange, and for once, forget the excuses and screw the politics. Who knows, despite all the apathetic Australians and hardline Indonesians, you just might save what's left of Schapelle Corby's life.
Well it seems like Indonesia just doesn't want to let that girl go. They're hanging on to Schapelle Corby like she was some kind of national treasure. Parole for Corby now seems like a dead issue, thanks to a recent Indonesian law that states a convict "Corruptors" must become a 'justice collaborator' and help investigators discover others involved in the crime one is convicted of. In short, that means you have to 'rat out' everyone who may have been involved in your crime, in order to be paroled. And according to Justice minister Amir Syamsuddin, Corby hasn't done that yet.
There is just one problem with the above as I see it- What if Schapelle Corby is not guilty to begin with? Who then can she put the finger on? As the Indonesian authorities well know, Corby has proclaimed her innocence for the last 8 years. Now I'm not saying that the new law was put into affect simply to confound Schapelle's chances for parole...but it does make me wonder.
Maybe it's just me, but Indonesia seems really determined to keep this girl locked up on the island of Bali for as long as they can. Granted, the Indonesian president did cut 5 years off her sentence, but considering that the sentence of 20 years for pot smuggling was insanely excessive to begin with- that's not a big deal. Twenty years for pot smuggling makes the sentence of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot for a political protest in a Moscow church, seem like an act of mercy.
Serving over 8 years so far is obviously not enough time for Corby though. A woman with no criminal record, and with ample evidence showing she probably didn't commit the crime anyway, it's just a very sad overkill. Considering the fact that this young woman has serious mental health issues now, I don't think trying to make an example of her puts Indonesia in a good light. And it doesn't make Australia look too slick either.
It seems Australia is content to leave Corby to her fate. Despite the fact that half the country thinks she's guilty for the most ridiculous reasons, most people in Australia think she has done more than enough time and should be released. However, at the present time it doesn't look like release for Corby is possible, thanks to new restrictions on foreigners getting parole in Indonesia. So what, if anything, is Australia going to do now about Schapelle Corby? Well, in the past they have done just about nothing, but hopefully that can change. Why isn't there anymore talk of an exchange of prisoners? You know, like the Aussies give up ten Indonesian people smugglers, and get Corby in return. Is that not possible? Of course it is. The Australian government has claimed that it is doing everything they can for Schapelle Corby. Really? It doesn't look like it. Has Australia offered an exchange of prisoners- have they even considered that option? It seems clear at this point in time that Indonesia is going to make Corby do her full sentence, unless the Australian government makes some kind of serious effort to bring this woman home. Make an official offer to the Indonesians for a prisoner exchange, and for once, forget the excuses and screw the politics. Who knows, despite all the apathetic Australians and hardline Indonesians, you just might save what's left of Schapelle Corby's life.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Indonesian Anti-Drug Group's Ridiculous Stance Against Schapelle Corby
June 29, 2012
It seems Schapelle Corby can't get an even break. Since her 5 year sentence reduction by the president of Indonesia recently, a so-called anti-drug group has taken the president to court claiming the clemency reduction was somehow illegal. Wow! And all this time I thought that those sign carrying demonstrators spouting "Death To Drug Dealers" were actually employed by the Indonesian government. Who knew?
If they are in fact a 'real' Indonesian anti-drug faction with sincere motives- why oh why are they trying to single out Schapelle Corby as if she were truly the 'Ganja Queen', and somehow a threat to the stability of Indonesia? It's simply ridiculous. Anyone who knows the score about drugs in Indonesia knows that the vast majority of the drugs there are 'home grown'. Why pick on an Australian who had a sentence reduction due to medical/mental problems. A deduction that was approved by the Indonesian Justice Dept.
Drugs are all over the place in Indonesia, and as far as Cannabis goes Indonesia is one of the world's leading producers. The weed in Indonesia didn't get there from Australia- it's a local crop and an abundant one. According to a recent United Nations World Drug Report, Indonesia is one of the top countries for the amount of Cannabis seized by it's government/police. And it's home grown- no Australian or Western imports needed. This is not just my opinion- it's a fact the Indonesian government has admitted to. In last year's United Nations World Drug Report it states on p.196:
(Discussing the period 2003-2007) "Indonesia assessed that 99 percent of Cannabis herb on it's territory originated in Indonesia itself."
With that thought in mind- why is this misguided Indonesian anti-drug group only singling out non-Indonesians? Is this group really anti-drug? Or are they simply anti-Australian? They shouted- "Death to Corby" "Death to the Bali Nine". Schapelle Corby is not a threat to Indonesia- In fact she is an innocent scapegoat. It's ridiculous- the hypocrisy. If you really want to do something about the cannabis problem in Indonesia, don't point your finger at the Australians- who pump your country full of money as tourists. To find the guilty parties, look in your own backyard.
It seems Schapelle Corby can't get an even break. Since her 5 year sentence reduction by the president of Indonesia recently, a so-called anti-drug group has taken the president to court claiming the clemency reduction was somehow illegal. Wow! And all this time I thought that those sign carrying demonstrators spouting "Death To Drug Dealers" were actually employed by the Indonesian government. Who knew?
If they are in fact a 'real' Indonesian anti-drug faction with sincere motives- why oh why are they trying to single out Schapelle Corby as if she were truly the 'Ganja Queen', and somehow a threat to the stability of Indonesia? It's simply ridiculous. Anyone who knows the score about drugs in Indonesia knows that the vast majority of the drugs there are 'home grown'. Why pick on an Australian who had a sentence reduction due to medical/mental problems. A deduction that was approved by the Indonesian Justice Dept.
Drugs are all over the place in Indonesia, and as far as Cannabis goes Indonesia is one of the world's leading producers. The weed in Indonesia didn't get there from Australia- it's a local crop and an abundant one. According to a recent United Nations World Drug Report, Indonesia is one of the top countries for the amount of Cannabis seized by it's government/police. And it's home grown- no Australian or Western imports needed. This is not just my opinion- it's a fact the Indonesian government has admitted to. In last year's United Nations World Drug Report it states on p.196:
(Discussing the period 2003-2007) "Indonesia assessed that 99 percent of Cannabis herb on it's territory originated in Indonesia itself."
With that thought in mind- why is this misguided Indonesian anti-drug group only singling out non-Indonesians? Is this group really anti-drug? Or are they simply anti-Australian? They shouted- "Death to Corby" "Death to the Bali Nine". Schapelle Corby is not a threat to Indonesia- In fact she is an innocent scapegoat. It's ridiculous- the hypocrisy. If you really want to do something about the cannabis problem in Indonesia, don't point your finger at the Australians- who pump your country full of money as tourists. To find the guilty parties, look in your own backyard.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Schapelle Corby Is Granted Clemency- 5 Year Slash Plus Parole
May 22, 2012 - Just wanted to get this out but there are conflicting accounts at the moment. Some sources mention only a 5 year reduction in her sentence, with other sources adding she will also get parole. The parole kicks in because her sister lives in Bali. Schapelle would not be returning to Australia yet, but must remain on the island of Bali for the length of her parole.
I will post again soon when I have confirmation of the sentence reduction and parole. It sounds like good news to me if this is indeed the case. An unconfirmed source stated Schapelle could be released from prison as early as August.
Update: All confirmed with the only question right now being exactly WHEN schapelle will be allowed to leave prison. Some supporters appear to be angry but I don't think they understand about the parole part yet. It plays out like this: 20 year sentence with 5 year cut equals 15 years. Now when you enter parole into the picture things look a lot brighter. In order for Schapelle to qualify for parole she would need to do 2/3 (2 thirds) of her sentence which comes out to 10 years. She has already served 7.5 years plus with the reductions she has already received plus with additional cut coming this Indonesian holiday makes 10 years plus. As far as I can see she would be out of prison in August or shortly thereafter if no one drags their feet.
While I was hoping for an outright release with a 10 year slash, I really did not have much faith in that happening. This whole thing could have dragged on for years so in my opinion Schapelle getting out of prison this summer to go and live with her sister Mercedes is pretty damn good, and a hell of a lot better than the remaining time she was facing. Freedom is only a few months away. I am not certain but I have heard that she would be the first foreigner to be granted parole there as it is a requirement to have family in Indonesia to qualify....well, she's got Merc. Hopefully she can start to heal now that she can see the light at the end of that "bloody long tunnel".
I will post again soon when I have confirmation of the sentence reduction and parole. It sounds like good news to me if this is indeed the case. An unconfirmed source stated Schapelle could be released from prison as early as August.
Update: All confirmed with the only question right now being exactly WHEN schapelle will be allowed to leave prison. Some supporters appear to be angry but I don't think they understand about the parole part yet. It plays out like this: 20 year sentence with 5 year cut equals 15 years. Now when you enter parole into the picture things look a lot brighter. In order for Schapelle to qualify for parole she would need to do 2/3 (2 thirds) of her sentence which comes out to 10 years. She has already served 7.5 years plus with the reductions she has already received plus with additional cut coming this Indonesian holiday makes 10 years plus. As far as I can see she would be out of prison in August or shortly thereafter if no one drags their feet.
While I was hoping for an outright release with a 10 year slash, I really did not have much faith in that happening. This whole thing could have dragged on for years so in my opinion Schapelle getting out of prison this summer to go and live with her sister Mercedes is pretty damn good, and a hell of a lot better than the remaining time she was facing. Freedom is only a few months away. I am not certain but I have heard that she would be the first foreigner to be granted parole there as it is a requirement to have family in Indonesia to qualify....well, she's got Merc. Hopefully she can start to heal now that she can see the light at the end of that "bloody long tunnel".
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Schapelle Corby Freedom Forum: Oh Where Did You Go Russell Crowe
May 20, 2012 - There was a time, oh way back in 2005, when the vast majority of Australians believed that Schapelle Corby was an innocent victim of injustice. One poll conducted back then had 88 percent of over 4,000 polled stating Corby was innocent. Other polls conducted at that time were also strongly in favor of Schapelle. Even high profile actor Russell Crowe spoke out for Corby and tried to rally the government to support her. Today, it's pretty much the opposite, with most Aussies believing she is guilty. It seems that the Australian media, and a lot of fiction posed as fact did a lot to change the minds of many Australians over the years. And Schapelle Corby quickly became the subject of ever growing indifference from the people in her own country. All that is about to change as the facts supporting Schapelle Corby's innocence are being put forward by a growing number of people from around the world, including the very potent documentary from the Expendable Project "The Political Sacrifice Of Schapelle Corby".
Russell Crowe had it right when he said the case against Schapelle Corby was "....bullshit...". Among his comments to the press he said: "There is massive doubt here... the charge is bullshit, let's deal with it." This however was in 2005, and how Russ feels today- I don't know. I am sure he did what he could at the time, but how could he have known the magnitude of opposition he or any other Corby supporter would encounter from the Australian government itself. The cover-up of evidence which supported Corby's story was not known, or at least backed up by fact in 2005- but today it's a different story. Today, the innocence of Schapelle Corby can not be disputed by anyone with an open mind, and of at least average intelligence. It's all out there online- the truth- and it's all backed-up with indisputable documentation. There is no longer any reason to remain in the dark about Schapelle Corby- unless of course you actually choose to believe the old lies rather than documented proof of her innocence.
As for Russell Crowe, I thought it was great of him to defend the principle. I didn't see any other big name Aussies putting it on the line like that. He's got a good heart and he proved that by coming to the aid of a defenseless victim of injustice. Like he said- "it's bullshit". That was true then, and it's true today, but now after seven long years- it's time to deal with it.
Russell Crowe had it right when he said the case against Schapelle Corby was "....bullshit...". Among his comments to the press he said: "There is massive doubt here... the charge is bullshit, let's deal with it." This however was in 2005, and how Russ feels today- I don't know. I am sure he did what he could at the time, but how could he have known the magnitude of opposition he or any other Corby supporter would encounter from the Australian government itself. The cover-up of evidence which supported Corby's story was not known, or at least backed up by fact in 2005- but today it's a different story. Today, the innocence of Schapelle Corby can not be disputed by anyone with an open mind, and of at least average intelligence. It's all out there online- the truth- and it's all backed-up with indisputable documentation. There is no longer any reason to remain in the dark about Schapelle Corby- unless of course you actually choose to believe the old lies rather than documented proof of her innocence.
As for Russell Crowe, I thought it was great of him to defend the principle. I didn't see any other big name Aussies putting it on the line like that. He's got a good heart and he proved that by coming to the aid of a defenseless victim of injustice. Like he said- "it's bullshit". That was true then, and it's true today, but now after seven long years- it's time to deal with it.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Schapelle Corby Freedom Forum: And God Said: Let There Be Light - But Not In Australia
May 9, 2012 - If you mention the Schapelle Corby case to the average person in Australia, chances are you will get a response that paints her guilty. If you ask those same people why they believe that, they will tell you about the news stories, the 'expose' on her family, or perhaps even mention a recent book which all 'prove' her guilty. (Well, I won't mention the title of that book but it should have been called "The Dead Guy Did It") Now with some of these people you can tell right off you are talking to a rock. Look closely at them and you will see- the lights are on, but nobody's home; compliments of the local state run media, and poker-faced politicians. While some of these people will tell you they are well 'informed', others would say they have simply been brainwashed.
In any case, it appears that this affliction is fairly common in Australia. I call it an affliction because, well, it is. It's called ignorance. Ignorance of the real facts, and content to believe a lie. Some people forget that in order to be "well informed" you need to double check your 'facts' and get your information from a variety of sources. Anyone who has done that, knows that Schapelle Corby is innocent. If all you want to believe is what the local state controlled media tells you and a recent 'book of fables', good luck on that- rock on. However, if you are up for some documented facts on this case that is going to 'turn your lights on', then I suggest you watch an expose of this case from expendable.tv (or click on the video at the top right under Schapelle Corby videos on this forum).
Now with that said, I will tell you truthfully I have nothing against the Australian people. Some people might think that an American has no business telling Aussies what to believe. Well, sorry, but someone has to, and there are also plenty of Australians who have been trying to 'turn the lights on' in Australia for some time now. In case some of you are not aware- the Schapelle Corby case is pretty much a global thing now, and nationality is beside the point. Still, it is the Australian people who are the key to clearing up this whole mess. It's your government, and Schapelle Corby is one of your own. Are you just going to sit back and let her die in that Indonesian snake pit?
Well contrary to the title of this post- we all know the sun still shines Down Under; Not that it does Schapelle Corby much good considering how 'in the dark' the average person is concerning this case. It isn't hard to find the truth if you are really looking for it, it's out there and it's free. Until the people in Schapelle Corby's own country come together on this thing and make a stand, until then, as far as I'm concerned- the lights are out in Australia.
In any case, it appears that this affliction is fairly common in Australia. I call it an affliction because, well, it is. It's called ignorance. Ignorance of the real facts, and content to believe a lie. Some people forget that in order to be "well informed" you need to double check your 'facts' and get your information from a variety of sources. Anyone who has done that, knows that Schapelle Corby is innocent. If all you want to believe is what the local state controlled media tells you and a recent 'book of fables', good luck on that- rock on. However, if you are up for some documented facts on this case that is going to 'turn your lights on', then I suggest you watch an expose of this case from expendable.tv (or click on the video at the top right under Schapelle Corby videos on this forum).
Now with that said, I will tell you truthfully I have nothing against the Australian people. Some people might think that an American has no business telling Aussies what to believe. Well, sorry, but someone has to, and there are also plenty of Australians who have been trying to 'turn the lights on' in Australia for some time now. In case some of you are not aware- the Schapelle Corby case is pretty much a global thing now, and nationality is beside the point. Still, it is the Australian people who are the key to clearing up this whole mess. It's your government, and Schapelle Corby is one of your own. Are you just going to sit back and let her die in that Indonesian snake pit?
Well contrary to the title of this post- we all know the sun still shines Down Under; Not that it does Schapelle Corby much good considering how 'in the dark' the average person is concerning this case. It isn't hard to find the truth if you are really looking for it, it's out there and it's free. Until the people in Schapelle Corby's own country come together on this thing and make a stand, until then, as far as I'm concerned- the lights are out in Australia.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Schapelle Corby Freedom Forum: Can Corby's Bid For Clemency Fail?
April 30, 2012 - The simple answer is, of course, yes. Although thousands of people have their fingers crossed that Indonesian President Yudhoyono will grant the immediate release of Schapelle Corby, nothing at this point is certain. Anything can happen. That's the hard part- the waiting, and not knowing the outcome. It's like watching a ball-game or any sport- you can boo or cheer but the reality is- you have no control over the outcome of the game. President Yudhoyono has the ball and the common people are not even allowed to watch the game. However, we'll get to know the 'final score' once the game is over with some morning headline such as: Corby Loses Clemency Bid.....or.....Schapelle Corby Granted Clemency etc.... Well that's lovely, but what are Corby supporters suppose to do in the meantime- besides hold their breath. All I can think of is the old expression: Hope for the best, but prepare for the worse.
The best of course would be Schapelle's immediate release. In that case there is little to do but cheer and hope she recovers from the experience. On the flip-side is the unthinkable- no release and perhaps worse- not even a sentence cut. Is that possible? Anything is possible in this twilight zone of a case. That is why it's extremely important not to let up on this issue. Keep fighting, keep spreading the word around, keep exposing the 'little known truth' as well as the lies and corruption. Tell people about the expendable project in particular because this film is a potent tool supporting Schapelle's innocence, as well as exposing the corruption in 'high places' which played a part in Corby's conviction.
One very important thing that needs to be done is to try and reverse the 'brainwashing' of Australians by some of the media there. I am amazed that so many Australians have turned their back on Schapelle Corby by believing the rubbish spouted by some of the press and major networks. Although I have not witnessed all the ridiculous stories that the Australian public has been exposed to, I am somewhat bewildered as to why so many Australians were actually buying that bulls**t. I mean, what is it- the water down there? Maybe it's radiation exposure- hole in the ozone layer? Just kidding, I know there are a lot of Australians on the warpath for the Schapelle Corby cause. Still, there are way too many Australians who think Corby is guilty, and this is completely unacceptable. Those who think Corby is guilty are simply suffering from ignorance, and they need to know the real facts of this case. So don't get passive about this just hoping that Schapelle Corby gets clemency; Pretend that option doesn't even exist, and keep spreading the word about this injustice. That way if her bid for clemency fails, then perhaps a huge global group of pissed-off supporters just might get the job done, and bring this innocent girl home.
"You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically
will make even the biggest dog uncomfortable, and transform even the biggest nation"
-Marian Wright Edelman
The best of course would be Schapelle's immediate release. In that case there is little to do but cheer and hope she recovers from the experience. On the flip-side is the unthinkable- no release and perhaps worse- not even a sentence cut. Is that possible? Anything is possible in this twilight zone of a case. That is why it's extremely important not to let up on this issue. Keep fighting, keep spreading the word around, keep exposing the 'little known truth' as well as the lies and corruption. Tell people about the expendable project in particular because this film is a potent tool supporting Schapelle's innocence, as well as exposing the corruption in 'high places' which played a part in Corby's conviction.
One very important thing that needs to be done is to try and reverse the 'brainwashing' of Australians by some of the media there. I am amazed that so many Australians have turned their back on Schapelle Corby by believing the rubbish spouted by some of the press and major networks. Although I have not witnessed all the ridiculous stories that the Australian public has been exposed to, I am somewhat bewildered as to why so many Australians were actually buying that bulls**t. I mean, what is it- the water down there? Maybe it's radiation exposure- hole in the ozone layer? Just kidding, I know there are a lot of Australians on the warpath for the Schapelle Corby cause. Still, there are way too many Australians who think Corby is guilty, and this is completely unacceptable. Those who think Corby is guilty are simply suffering from ignorance, and they need to know the real facts of this case. So don't get passive about this just hoping that Schapelle Corby gets clemency; Pretend that option doesn't even exist, and keep spreading the word about this injustice. That way if her bid for clemency fails, then perhaps a huge global group of pissed-off supporters just might get the job done, and bring this innocent girl home.
"You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically
will make even the biggest dog uncomfortable, and transform even the biggest nation"
-Marian Wright Edelman
Monday, April 23, 2012
Schapelle Corby Freedom Forum: Did Australia Turn It's Back On An Innocent Woman?
Sunday April 22, 2012 -
As concerns the Schapelle Corby case 'the truth' often depends on who you ask. This is certainly true at least in Australia, where opinion was once overwhelmingly in favor of Corby's innocence at the time of her conviction in 2005. By 2008, public opinion in Australia started to change dramatically to the point where (according to a recent poll) most Australians believe Corby guilty- but, she should be freed having served almost 8 years of an excessively harsh sentence. Well, that's nice isn't it, but there is a hugh difference between being guilty yet shown compassion, and being innocent of the charge entirely. An innocent person doesn't need compassion as much as they need simple justice. Yet the real question here is, was justice really done? Or was an innocent woman left to take a fall, while certain 'officials' of the Australian government and AFP turned their backs on the situation?
There is an old expression that states: "It's not what you believe that really counts, it's WHY you believe it. As concerns the Schapelle Corby case, it's not difficult to understand why public opinion reversed itself. After years of 'official' apathy, and a cruel and disreputable media blitz aimed at discrediting her and her family, Schapelle Corby became, quite simply, a "convicted drug smuggler" in need of compassion. No justice needed eh? Yet the truth does not change with the direction of the wind, and a lie is still a lie, regardless of which 'official' or media outlet spouts it. So if you think Schapelle Corby is guilty, ask yourself why you believe that. If all you can come up with are the many so-called 'true' stories you have heard or seen on the tube, then perhaps you need to re-access the foundation of your opinion. It is a fact at this point in time, that the vast majority of the negative publicity about Schapelle Corby has been proven false. Her father was not a drug dealer. The paid story about Schapelle and her sister using drugs is false. If you think she is guilty because the newsperson always starts the latest report with the words-"convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby"...........then you should never leave the house so as to be safe from strangers offering you candy. However, in all fairness to the people in Australia, there is nothing much you could have done concerning the Schapelle Corby case, regardless of what your opinion was. You didn't get her convicted and you could not have saved her- not at the time of her conviction anyway. But, there are some people in Australia who had the knowledge and power to make a difference, yet they left an Australian citizen in a foreign country to fend for herself, and knowing very well she was probably not guilty. No, you won't hear that one on the local state-run network.
Before someone asks I will tell you in advance- My opinion is that Schapelle Corby is innocent of the crime for which she was convicted. And, I will tell you WHY I believe that. First off, once you know the real facts of the case, it pretty much comes down to common sense. Now I will say outright that many people in Australia are not in possession of all the facts- you were never meant to be. Consider the following:
Let's assume for a moment that Schapelle Corby is a regular Australian woman of at least average intelligence- there is nothing that suggests otherwise. She is arrested in Bali for trying to smuggle in over 9 pounds of marijuana in her 'boogie-board' bag (which is a large bag). When the marijuana is discovered in her bag by Bali customs agents, she claims she has no idea how the 'weed' got into her bag, and that she did not put it there. Not surprisingly she is arrested and incarcerated. She goes to trial the following year on the charge and is convicted of the crime and is sentenced to 20 years.
Now, the above is pretty much common knowledge, and if that is all there was to it- then I would think she was probably guilty myself. However there is much more to it than that, but a little common sense is necessary in order to weave between the buffalo chips. First off, Corby's journey began at Brisbane airport, going to Bali via Sydney. If the weed was hers in her bag from the beginning, she would have to have gotten it through 2 airport securities- at Brisbane and Sydney. Stop right there. I find it extremely hard to believe that a person can get over 9 pounds of marijuana undisguised and stuffed in a boogie-board bag through security check points at 2 major Australian airports undiscovered, only to be 'nailed' by customs agents on the scratch-ass island of Bali. Stop, I would rather believe in the tooth-fairy. And, to top it off, who in their right mind would bring that quantity of weed from Australia (high priced) to Bali- where it is worth 10 times less. You would have to be dumb as a stump selling weed from Australia in Bali- you would lose 90 percent of your money. As for the question of 'personal' use- I am assuming of course that Schapelle didn't find it necessary to travel around with a lifetime supply.
Well I don't know about you but I am not buying any of that- no pun intended. That just strains credibility big time. I think what really happened was quite simple and logical, yet much more sinister. And there is evidence to back up what I think. What I believe happened- and I am certainly not alone in my belief- is that the marijuana was never suppose to leave Australia, with Schapelle's bag being used without her knowledge by drug dealers to transport the marijuana from Brisbane to Sydney- with 'inside' help. The inside help was of course employees at the Australian airports in question- most likely a baggage handler whose job it is to transport the passengers bags to the plane and load them. This would explain how Schapelle's boogie-board bag made it through the security check points at both airports. All it takes is just one bag handler at each airport. It would have worked like this:
Schapelle arrives at Brisbane airport with her companions and her boogie board bag makes it through the security check point because there is no marijuana in her bag. After the security check but before it is loaded on the plane in Brisbane a baggage handler puts the marijuana in her bag and notes the baggage number. The plane then goes from Brisbane to Sydney, and on arrival at Sydney airport the passenger's bags are unloaded- you guessed it- by more baggage handlers. The inside man at Sydney airport would know exactly which bag had the weed in it, having been contacted in advance by the inside man at Brisbane. Now it is a fact that at Sydney, Schapelle's bag did not get checked at all and no record exists of the bag even being weighed (which is required)- it simply 'disappeared' for a short time. Now at this point the marijuana should have been removed from Schapelle's bag, having reached it's intended destination in Sydney, but someone obviously 'missed the drop', or got cold feet, or thought they smelled a set-up, and the bag with the weed ended up on the plane to Bali. And you all know what happened then.
The above is not simply a theory. There is evidence to support that is probably what happened- or something very similar. At her trial/appeal Schapelle's defense team contended that the marijuana was possibly put in her bag without her knowledge by baggage handlers at the airports in Australia. Well, the Indonesian court was not quick to buy that possibility and after commissioner Keelty's public statement regarding the issue, Schapelle's fate was sealed. The following is what he said:
"There is very little intelligence to suggest that baggage handlers are using innocent people to traffic heroin or other drugs between states".
-Commissioner Keelty
Now, is that a true statement? Former head of operations for the AFP's Internal Investigations Ray Cooper stated pretty much the opposite to the Nine Network, but unfortunately, not in time to help Corby's case with her legal options having been spent. This is what he had to say on the matter:
...It was well known by the AFP that unwitting passengers were being used as 'mules' to shift drugs between Australia's domestic airports. (He further stated that) ...His investigations suggested some state and federal police were in league with the smugglers.
Seems that 'insiders' at the airports smuggling drugs using passengers was not uncommon, and what happened to Schapelle Corby was not that unusual. We only know her name now because someone 'missed the drop' at Sydney airport and she ended up with unwanted 'extra baggage' on her arrival in Bali. It could have happened to anyone, but it ended up being her, perhaps only because her bag was big enough to hold that much marijuana. There is little doubt at this point in time that more than a few people had evidence that could have greatly helped her case. What I have shared with you above is only the tip of the iceberg. If you want a good dose of the truth concerning the Schapelle Corby case, watch the documentary on her by "Expendable.tv" and they have the documentation to back up what they are reporting on. In my mind there is no doubt Schapelle Corby was sacrificed in 2004, in order that certain politicians and police could avoid public embarrassment by having to admit that either the security of major Australian airports were unsound, or that drug smugglers were indeed operating successfully at airports with help from the inside. No, it's much easier to turn your back on a lone victim, than to face a rather sticky and embarrassing situation. As concerns Schapelle Corby, with justice lacking and faced with many more years in prison, is compassion alone of any real use?
"To those who understand, no explanation is needed. To those who do not understand, no explanation will suffice" - St. Thomas Aquinas
As concerns the Schapelle Corby case 'the truth' often depends on who you ask. This is certainly true at least in Australia, where opinion was once overwhelmingly in favor of Corby's innocence at the time of her conviction in 2005. By 2008, public opinion in Australia started to change dramatically to the point where (according to a recent poll) most Australians believe Corby guilty- but, she should be freed having served almost 8 years of an excessively harsh sentence. Well, that's nice isn't it, but there is a hugh difference between being guilty yet shown compassion, and being innocent of the charge entirely. An innocent person doesn't need compassion as much as they need simple justice. Yet the real question here is, was justice really done? Or was an innocent woman left to take a fall, while certain 'officials' of the Australian government and AFP turned their backs on the situation?
There is an old expression that states: "It's not what you believe that really counts, it's WHY you believe it. As concerns the Schapelle Corby case, it's not difficult to understand why public opinion reversed itself. After years of 'official' apathy, and a cruel and disreputable media blitz aimed at discrediting her and her family, Schapelle Corby became, quite simply, a "convicted drug smuggler" in need of compassion. No justice needed eh? Yet the truth does not change with the direction of the wind, and a lie is still a lie, regardless of which 'official' or media outlet spouts it. So if you think Schapelle Corby is guilty, ask yourself why you believe that. If all you can come up with are the many so-called 'true' stories you have heard or seen on the tube, then perhaps you need to re-access the foundation of your opinion. It is a fact at this point in time, that the vast majority of the negative publicity about Schapelle Corby has been proven false. Her father was not a drug dealer. The paid story about Schapelle and her sister using drugs is false. If you think she is guilty because the newsperson always starts the latest report with the words-"convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby"...........then you should never leave the house so as to be safe from strangers offering you candy. However, in all fairness to the people in Australia, there is nothing much you could have done concerning the Schapelle Corby case, regardless of what your opinion was. You didn't get her convicted and you could not have saved her- not at the time of her conviction anyway. But, there are some people in Australia who had the knowledge and power to make a difference, yet they left an Australian citizen in a foreign country to fend for herself, and knowing very well she was probably not guilty. No, you won't hear that one on the local state-run network.
Before someone asks I will tell you in advance- My opinion is that Schapelle Corby is innocent of the crime for which she was convicted. And, I will tell you WHY I believe that. First off, once you know the real facts of the case, it pretty much comes down to common sense. Now I will say outright that many people in Australia are not in possession of all the facts- you were never meant to be. Consider the following:
Let's assume for a moment that Schapelle Corby is a regular Australian woman of at least average intelligence- there is nothing that suggests otherwise. She is arrested in Bali for trying to smuggle in over 9 pounds of marijuana in her 'boogie-board' bag (which is a large bag). When the marijuana is discovered in her bag by Bali customs agents, she claims she has no idea how the 'weed' got into her bag, and that she did not put it there. Not surprisingly she is arrested and incarcerated. She goes to trial the following year on the charge and is convicted of the crime and is sentenced to 20 years.
Now, the above is pretty much common knowledge, and if that is all there was to it- then I would think she was probably guilty myself. However there is much more to it than that, but a little common sense is necessary in order to weave between the buffalo chips. First off, Corby's journey began at Brisbane airport, going to Bali via Sydney. If the weed was hers in her bag from the beginning, she would have to have gotten it through 2 airport securities- at Brisbane and Sydney. Stop right there. I find it extremely hard to believe that a person can get over 9 pounds of marijuana undisguised and stuffed in a boogie-board bag through security check points at 2 major Australian airports undiscovered, only to be 'nailed' by customs agents on the scratch-ass island of Bali. Stop, I would rather believe in the tooth-fairy. And, to top it off, who in their right mind would bring that quantity of weed from Australia (high priced) to Bali- where it is worth 10 times less. You would have to be dumb as a stump selling weed from Australia in Bali- you would lose 90 percent of your money. As for the question of 'personal' use- I am assuming of course that Schapelle didn't find it necessary to travel around with a lifetime supply.
Well I don't know about you but I am not buying any of that- no pun intended. That just strains credibility big time. I think what really happened was quite simple and logical, yet much more sinister. And there is evidence to back up what I think. What I believe happened- and I am certainly not alone in my belief- is that the marijuana was never suppose to leave Australia, with Schapelle's bag being used without her knowledge by drug dealers to transport the marijuana from Brisbane to Sydney- with 'inside' help. The inside help was of course employees at the Australian airports in question- most likely a baggage handler whose job it is to transport the passengers bags to the plane and load them. This would explain how Schapelle's boogie-board bag made it through the security check points at both airports. All it takes is just one bag handler at each airport. It would have worked like this:
Schapelle arrives at Brisbane airport with her companions and her boogie board bag makes it through the security check point because there is no marijuana in her bag. After the security check but before it is loaded on the plane in Brisbane a baggage handler puts the marijuana in her bag and notes the baggage number. The plane then goes from Brisbane to Sydney, and on arrival at Sydney airport the passenger's bags are unloaded- you guessed it- by more baggage handlers. The inside man at Sydney airport would know exactly which bag had the weed in it, having been contacted in advance by the inside man at Brisbane. Now it is a fact that at Sydney, Schapelle's bag did not get checked at all and no record exists of the bag even being weighed (which is required)- it simply 'disappeared' for a short time. Now at this point the marijuana should have been removed from Schapelle's bag, having reached it's intended destination in Sydney, but someone obviously 'missed the drop', or got cold feet, or thought they smelled a set-up, and the bag with the weed ended up on the plane to Bali. And you all know what happened then.
The above is not simply a theory. There is evidence to support that is probably what happened- or something very similar. At her trial/appeal Schapelle's defense team contended that the marijuana was possibly put in her bag without her knowledge by baggage handlers at the airports in Australia. Well, the Indonesian court was not quick to buy that possibility and after commissioner Keelty's public statement regarding the issue, Schapelle's fate was sealed. The following is what he said:
"There is very little intelligence to suggest that baggage handlers are using innocent people to traffic heroin or other drugs between states".
-Commissioner Keelty
Now, is that a true statement? Former head of operations for the AFP's Internal Investigations Ray Cooper stated pretty much the opposite to the Nine Network, but unfortunately, not in time to help Corby's case with her legal options having been spent. This is what he had to say on the matter:
...It was well known by the AFP that unwitting passengers were being used as 'mules' to shift drugs between Australia's domestic airports. (He further stated that) ...His investigations suggested some state and federal police were in league with the smugglers.
Seems that 'insiders' at the airports smuggling drugs using passengers was not uncommon, and what happened to Schapelle Corby was not that unusual. We only know her name now because someone 'missed the drop' at Sydney airport and she ended up with unwanted 'extra baggage' on her arrival in Bali. It could have happened to anyone, but it ended up being her, perhaps only because her bag was big enough to hold that much marijuana. There is little doubt at this point in time that more than a few people had evidence that could have greatly helped her case. What I have shared with you above is only the tip of the iceberg. If you want a good dose of the truth concerning the Schapelle Corby case, watch the documentary on her by "Expendable.tv" and they have the documentation to back up what they are reporting on. In my mind there is no doubt Schapelle Corby was sacrificed in 2004, in order that certain politicians and police could avoid public embarrassment by having to admit that either the security of major Australian airports were unsound, or that drug smugglers were indeed operating successfully at airports with help from the inside. No, it's much easier to turn your back on a lone victim, than to face a rather sticky and embarrassing situation. As concerns Schapelle Corby, with justice lacking and faced with many more years in prison, is compassion alone of any real use?
Friday, April 20, 2012
Who Is Schapelle Corby and Why Should I Care?
Schapelle Corby is a 34 year old Australian woman who has been imprisoned on the island of Bali since 2004. In October of that year she was arrested by Bali customs agents when it was discovered there was over 9 pounds of marijuana in a large 'boogie-board' bag she had brought with her from Australia. She claimed at the time that the bag was hers but had no knowledge of the marijuana being in her bag. She was arrested and charged with attempting to smuggle the drug into Bali. The following year (2005) she was convicted by an Indonesian court and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Corby has always maintained that the marijuana was not hers and that it must have been planted in her bag without her knowledge. Although that claim may appear a bit lame to some people- it should be taken into consideration that such things do happen. Unsuspecting travelers have been used before by drug dealers to get their goods through customs and then retrieve the drugs later when it is safe to do so. It should be pointed out that the Indonesian court did not 'prove' that Corby was responsible for the marijuana. She was convicted solely on the fact that it was found in a bag belonging to her, and no evidence could be presented that 'proved' the marijuana was planted by someone else. As they say in the U.S. : Possession in 9/10th of the law.
The main purpose of this forum however, is not to prove the innocence or guilt of Schapelle Corby (although I am sure attempts will be forthcoming). Rather, it is the fact that her sentence was so harsh, considering Corby was not a known drug dealer and had no prior convictions in Bali or Australia. Also there is ample evidence that Schapelle Corby's mental and emotional health has been declining for the last several years in prison. She was hospitalized for severe depression in 2008 and 2009, and has been on anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs for some time now. A prison sentence is never meant to destroy a person, yet some people decline rapidly in such an environment, with some eventually losing their grip on reality.
In 2010 Corby appealed to the president of Indonesia for clemency. The Indonesian Justice and Human Rights Ministry also recommended that Schapelle Corby be granted clemency on humanitarian grounds. This is now in the hands of the Indonesian president who has the final say in the matter. It is my hope that Dr. Yudhoyono will show mercy to Schapelle Corby (who is now in declining health) and grant her outright release, or at the very least, greatly reduce her sentence. After Corby serving 8 years in a foreign prison, this is not a 'get out of jail free' card, 8 years is not a drop in the bucket; releasing her is simply the humanitarian thing to do.
One should remember that if Schapelle Corby is indeed innocent, then this is truly a nightmare that needs to be remedied. It is something that can happen to any traveler- anywhere in the world, and in the future it may be you, or may be me. Yet innocence or guilt aside- Corby's situation is one that calls for compassion. Those with empathy need no proof of this, and the cold-hearted will always turn away with indifference.
Corby has always maintained that the marijuana was not hers and that it must have been planted in her bag without her knowledge. Although that claim may appear a bit lame to some people- it should be taken into consideration that such things do happen. Unsuspecting travelers have been used before by drug dealers to get their goods through customs and then retrieve the drugs later when it is safe to do so. It should be pointed out that the Indonesian court did not 'prove' that Corby was responsible for the marijuana. She was convicted solely on the fact that it was found in a bag belonging to her, and no evidence could be presented that 'proved' the marijuana was planted by someone else. As they say in the U.S. : Possession in 9/10th of the law.
The main purpose of this forum however, is not to prove the innocence or guilt of Schapelle Corby (although I am sure attempts will be forthcoming). Rather, it is the fact that her sentence was so harsh, considering Corby was not a known drug dealer and had no prior convictions in Bali or Australia. Also there is ample evidence that Schapelle Corby's mental and emotional health has been declining for the last several years in prison. She was hospitalized for severe depression in 2008 and 2009, and has been on anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs for some time now. A prison sentence is never meant to destroy a person, yet some people decline rapidly in such an environment, with some eventually losing their grip on reality.
In 2010 Corby appealed to the president of Indonesia for clemency. The Indonesian Justice and Human Rights Ministry also recommended that Schapelle Corby be granted clemency on humanitarian grounds. This is now in the hands of the Indonesian president who has the final say in the matter. It is my hope that Dr. Yudhoyono will show mercy to Schapelle Corby (who is now in declining health) and grant her outright release, or at the very least, greatly reduce her sentence. After Corby serving 8 years in a foreign prison, this is not a 'get out of jail free' card, 8 years is not a drop in the bucket; releasing her is simply the humanitarian thing to do.
One should remember that if Schapelle Corby is indeed innocent, then this is truly a nightmare that needs to be remedied. It is something that can happen to any traveler- anywhere in the world, and in the future it may be you, or may be me. Yet innocence or guilt aside- Corby's situation is one that calls for compassion. Those with empathy need no proof of this, and the cold-hearted will always turn away with indifference.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)