Here on the Gold Coast there is a lot of talk about Schapelle Corby and the drug case of the century. In case you don’t know much about it:
Schapelle Leigh Corby (born July 10, 1977 SAME BIRTHDAY AS ME!!!!) is a former beauty student from Australia convicted by an Indonesian court of attempting to smuggle 4.1 kg of cannabis into Indonesia.
In October 2004 she was stopped by customs agents at Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, and found to have a large package of drugs in her boogie board bag, 4.1 kilos of marijuana valued at $80,000.
Despite protesting her innocence, on May 27, 2005, she was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years jail. She was also fined AUD $13,875, with an additional six months if unpaid.
The verdict in the Corby trial was broadcast live on television in Australia, and the Nine Network television coverage was also broadcast live in New Zealand. The coverage included the trial outline, of some 80 pages, the verdict and sentencing.
The defence and prosecution now have seven days to appeal, after which the case could proceed to the High Court, which would then have 150 days to make a decision. If a further appeal were to occur, the case could ascend to the Supreme Court, which would then have 170 days to reach their decision. Both sides have indicated they will appeal the verdict.
The Corby case has generated intense controversy in Australia, where the prevailing public opinion in support of Corby has confronted the Commonwealth Government and caused tension in the relationship with Indonesia.
The Australians are all up in arms about it all and there is a huge ban on traveling to Bali. Many Aussies are protesting the ruling by trying to hurt Indonesia through tourism. For Australians Bali is a number one holiday place and now with all of this going on no one feels safe going there.
Schapelle’s lawyers have put in an Appeal already so hopefully we will find out more and this case will come to a true end, soon.
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