The Schapelle Corby Story

[Caitlin]

RhondaLee, If you can’t find postage stamps, then we know who the airhead is.

maybe in canada it would be long, but according to the indonesians, twenty years for 9lbs of weed is light and they're appealing for a harsher sentence. in china anything over five pounds is a automatic death sentence if you're found guilty. different countries just do things differently.

Different countries, may do things differently, but I’m sure that 20 years is a long time out of anyones life regardless what country they come from. I’m sure the poor guy facing the firing squad would consider his sentence extreem for carrying five pounds of marauana.

different countries just do things differently. i've been to indonesia, i didn't find pushers at every corner contrary to your beliefs.

I havent actually been to Indonesia, but I’m sure they don’t have a flashing light on their head to get your attention.

on another note, it doesn't matter if anyone thought the trial was fair or not in the end.

Why not? Aren’t people allowed to have an opinion?

what right does australian public have to tell or strong arm a soverign nation, recognized by the international community

How is the Australian public strong arming the soverign nation of Indonesia?

, how to run their system,

Is that what the Australian public doing? I live in Australia. I missing all this action!!! Where is your sourse to make that statement miss duece?

especially when the government of indonesia poses no military threat?

Miss duece, you really need to do your homework. Especially if your going to make such ludicrous statements.

she got caught in indonesian soil, its their jurisdiction. there goes objectiveness for you.

Can't the Australian public have an opinion what happens to one of their citizens, weather that person be overseas or not? Besides...

During WW2, An american serviceman was caught murdering a woman in Melbourne, and it was discovered that he had killed several women on Australian soil. Australian law was not recognised, and bypassed, and the US Military had tried the man, even though he was still on Australian soil. According to your own law, you had set a precident for this to occur. How, then do you condem this??? I really don’t think international law is your fortee miss duece. What was your second option for uni?

[miscolata]

4. In America you are innocent till proved guilty in Indonesia you are guilty till proven innocent an entirely different legal system to what you are used to

In Western countries you aren't supposed to have a conviction if there is "reasonable doubt", and that is what the defence is trying to establish. Possibly in Indonesia there is a greater burden on the defence, but the prosecution still has to make its case - they're not supposed to just assume that the police got it right.

Since quoting the SMH seems to be the order of the topic, here's an article to that affect: http://www.smh.com.au/news/Miranda-D...533585154.html (I can't believe I'm quoting a Miranda Divine column with approval... unclean! unclean! ick. Your Honour, in my defence I'd like to point out that she's not expressing her own opinion in this article)

The main difference (according to my legal theory lecturer) is that the Indonesians don't have quite the same take on the "better ten guilty men walk free than one innocent man go to gaol" principle that dictates a lot of the rules of evidence in countries like the USA and Australia.

We in the West (and yes, I'm Australian) are stunned and shocked when the Indonesians convict on evidence that our systems would automatically put huge questions marks over. Indonesians are stunned and shocked when "clearly" guilty people are acquitted in Western countries because of some technical breach in the handling of evidence. We think they're crazy, they think we're crazy. What fun

And on the topic of the drugs themselves... don't forget that there are a lot of different types of marijuana. I read somewhere that the variety in question is relatively cheap in Australia and quite expensive in Bali - so there was a sound economic reason to import it into Bali.

As for our government intervening... I'd be more interested in seeing them do something for David Hicks in Guantanamo Bay, or for the several hundred innocent people going stir-crazy in immigration detention centres on our own soil.

[RhondaLee]

And on the topic of the drugs themselves... don't forget that there are a lot of different types of marijuana. I read somewhere that the variety in question is relatively cheap in Australia and quite expensive in Bali - so there was a sound economic reason to import it into Bali.

based on that information, is it possible the weed is like different brand name of cigarettes? The one that she carry has the taste that favor her, so she sticks to the one that she is used to? Or she is afraid she can get caught of buying weed in the local city in Bali, or she is afraid the person selling weed is an undercover agent, thus, she brings her own.

[Dododecapod]

You know, I am so sick of the whole Corby crap. You can't turn on a TV here without hearing YET ANOTHER know-nothing "expert" crapping on about it.

My fantasy would be someone like me, utterly sick of the whole thing, going to Indonesia, stealing her from the jail, then broadcasting her rape and humiliation to the whole world, and finishing it up with a long, strangulation hanging (or maybe a draw-and-quartering!).

The story would finish with the killer facing the camera (with a mask) and saying "All right! It's over! START TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT MATTERS, ALREADY!"

[miscolata]

based on that information, is it possible the weed is like different brand name of cigarettes? The one that she carry has the taste that favor her, so she sticks to the one that she is used to? Or she is afraid she can get caught of buying weed in the local city in Bali, or she is afraid the person selling weed is an undercover agent, thus, she brings her own.

More like different varieties of the plant and different growing techniques produce different concentrations of THC (the psychoactive chemical in marijuana... please don't make me write it out in full). In particular there are some modern varieties that are very very strong compared to what you'd get on the street even ten years ago.

If she was knowingly importing it then it's a safe bet she was importing it for money not personal use.

[miss duece]

"Why not? Aren’t people allowed to have an opinion?"

OH i'm so sorry. did i say people weren't allowed to have an opinion? i said it doesn't matter because it won't change the verdict, its their jurisdiction.

"Miss duece, you really need to do your homework. Especially if your going to make such ludicrous statements. "

why don't you do your homework and tell me what concrete immediate military threat indonesia poses?

"How is the Australian public strong arming the soverign nation of Indonesia?"

so demands of boycott, demands of withdrawal of aid, and demands that the prime minister should contact the indonesian president over the case, is not strong arming?
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/con...5/s1380121.htm
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/...129880725.html
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/com...55E661,00.html


"RhondaLee, If you can’t find postage stamps, then we know who the airhead is."

why are you always belittling people who don't agree with you?


"I havent actually been to Indonesia, but I’m sure they don’t have a flashing light on their head to get your attention. "

i was responding to chromes that he thinks indonesia maybe the same as jamica where you can just spot pushers right away. so by your own point then your saying its hard to find pushers, then why won't it be fesible that corby brought her own drugs?

"During WW2, An american serviceman was caught murdering a woman in Melbourne, and it was discovered that he had killed several women on Australian soil. Australian law was not recognised, and bypassed, and the US Military had tried the man, even though he was still on Australian soil. According to your own law, you had set a precident for this to occur. How, then do you condem this??? I really don’t think international law is your fortee miss duece. What was your second option for uni?"

so by your own prejudice, since i'm american i must agree with everything my country does? who are you to tell me what my fortee is? why don't you try being nicer to people who don't agree with you and be more civilize instead of resorting to childish things like calling people airheads, saying I lack finesse or sensitivity when your outright being insulting, or that i'm studying the wrong thing or whatever condescending things that you think makes your points stronger. i can't recall one time where i saw as much hostility as you have displayed to others on this forum.



food for thought:
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au...462198,00.html

other side of the spectrum:
http://www.dailygrail.com/node/1491

[RhondaLee]

http://www.dailygrail.com/node/1491

I think the above link is the most effective.

Corrupt person 4: A baggage handler at Sydney airport. Forgets to take the dope out of CORBY's bag and off it goes to Bali.

For 9 lb. of weed, if there really were a person who put that in her bag, he's not going to forget take it out. And there is just too many holes about the fairy tales of baggage handler putting it in her bag.

In one of the link at news.com.au, they interview a large number of australian on their view, most of them don't support her and believe she is guilty. I have read it, but when I go back, news.com charges me for that link when I try to dig back out that link.

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au...462198,00.html

this link is also very good. Just because she looks innocent, doesn't mean she is innocent. When she finds out she is on trial, obviously she is crying, the fear of prison. She didn't realize bringing 9 lb. of weed can causes her so much trouble. It's remorse.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15492951-2,00.html

this is the man who finance corby on her legal fee, look at the way he flashes his stack of dollar bills.

Edit: found that link: Instead of posing the link, I'll post the entire text, because news.com.au has known to delete the link and story sometime later.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117...-31317,00.html

[RhondaLee]

Your feedback on the Corby verdict - II
By NEWS.com.au readers
May 27, 2005
From:


This is a selection of your feedback on the verdict in Schapelle Corby's drug-smuggling trial.
We have been overwhelmed by your responses and will be updating the feedback over the next few days.

Read earlier comments.

From: anthony
Comment: Why is there so much commotion? who actually knows that she is innocent? only she knows and will ever know, besides the people that gave her the drugs. Plenty of other Aussies around the world in same predicaments that no one cares about. if u wish to test a system, do so at your own peril.

From: dan
Comment: I think the overattention and hype by media and Australians are big contributory factors in Corby's unfortunate saga. How can everybody be so judgmental and sure of her innocence. Even if she was all this hype was really detrimental to her case. Anyway I wish her best of luck and pray that her higher appeal gets successful and she is released or transferred to Australia along with all other Australians rotting in Indonesian jails.

From: mike
Comment: There is no way can she be seen as guilty beyond reasonable doubt. For John Howard to say we should just accept the decision is plain stupid. Would we just accept the decision if it was Taliban and an Islamic court? Of course not. I am sure he would not be so 'high handed' if it was his daughter. Why are they prepared to pay for QC's now? Because they know she is innocent.

From: Christiaan
Comment: No one here can fairly judge either Corby or the Indonesian justice system - none of us know all the facts, only what is portrayed in the media. The Indonesian court considered the facts under the Indonesian legal system, and found Corby guilty. Based on what I saw in the media reports, none of Corby's arguments could dispute the facts, nor did she present any hard evidence in defense. Australia should accept the legal decision of the court as correct and final - as we would expect Indonesia to do if the situation was reversed.

From: Phillip
Comment: What is the use of trying to defend yourself in Indonesia, the judges do not listen to any defence. Boycott Bali and Indonesia and pressure our government to withdraw aid and free Schapelle Corby. This is the beginning of the end for Bali.

From: Jeanie
Comment: My heart goes out to Schapelle. I truly believe she was set up. I will never travel to Indonesia and hopefully none of my family will either.

From: Georgia
Comment: For those of you who dont know Bali Law, Every August of Every year, The Prime minister is allowed to give pardon to half a dozen prisoners. You people must be crazy if you think Ms Corby is going to remain in prison for 20 years. Its all about politics. If they had let her off the charges, Politically it would have looked like Bali is bowing down to the Australian Government. The indonesians owe this to the Australians and they know it. but at the same time had to prove to the world that smuggling drugs into bali is not something the indonesian goverments takes lightly.

[RhondaLee]

From: mikal
Comment: Guilty or not , no other person has had such positive publicity. I will not ever go to Bali and will boycott travel to the whole region for my entire life as I do not want to risk being in such a situation. A travesty of justice if she is innocent. Remember it was 15 years in jail in the 70's for possession the smallest quantity in Queensland.

From: Senan
Comment: In a civilized country the law dictates that you are guilty if there is no 'shadow of a doubt about your guilt'. In Schapelle's case, there is a 'shadow of doubt'. I can only surmise that this implies Indonesia is what I suspected, uncivilized!!

From: Gayle
Comment: I cried openly for the Tsunami victims, I cried openly for the earthquake victims, and sent assistance. I cried openly today at the lack of a civilised justice system in Indonesia. I would not risk my life travelling there again.

From: Linda
Comment: Please stop blaming the Indonesian justice system because of the Corby's case. We should know that when people go abroad, they are subjected to the justice system of the countries they visit. I totally agree that twenty years of jail is quite harsh, but that's the other country's rule. We all can't sure if Corby is innocent or not. But, according to the Indonesian officials, she had admitted to owning the drugs at the airport but later started denying it. Why we all just believe Corby's defending team? How about if the Indonesian officials had told the truth? Don't you think you could not realize your boogie board bag was much heavier if 4.1 kg of marijuana had been planted into it? Don't you believe a stranger would come to you and totally financially support you just because he believed you were innocent (bear in mind that he had financial difficulties)? Hey, a drug dealer will never admit he or she is a drug dealer. DO THINK ABOUT THE VICTIMS OF DRUGS! Do you stand aside just because a drug dealer is young and beautiful . If so, shame on you!!

From: terry
Comment: never will i travel to Bali, i'm cancelling a trip as we speak, it doesn't matter if she's guilty or innocent, the punishment does NOT fit the crime, and if she's innocent, she will suffer this forever my heart breaks for her and her family.

From: Matt
Comment: Congratulations on two parts. One for Western media outlets who, by applying such strong pressure on the court, helped cause the judges to dig their heels and lead to a more likely outcome of being found guilty before the trial had even finished. And two, for Downer offering QCs free of charge to help Schapelle after the horse has bolted.

From: Tom
Comment: why are we even putting people in prison for possessing a plant that grows naturally on our planet? It's kind of like saying god made a mistake, don't you think?

From: Shell
Comment: Unfortunately, this is going to affect the Balinese people as numerous Australians will be hesistant to visit Bali. I know I would be loathe to go there as it appears guilt is presumed and defences ignored. Given the other circumstances where people have found drugs in their luggage, it's totally plausible the same may have happened in Schapelle's case. I think Australia should find a way to bring her home, disregard the Indonesian ruling and conduct their own trial.

From: Rea
Comment: It was preposterous! I think Indonesia is trying to make a bloody statement at the expense of one innocent person. There is bias obviously. A man who killed hundreds of Australian got a very lenient sentence, whereas someone who is not their own got a bloody 20 years! I think Australia's taxpayers should rethink and reconsider sending aid to Indonesia. Indonesia is hyprocrite. Drugs are everywhere on the streets!

From: Richard
Comment: Stick to the facts people! I am yet to hear/see anyone say that they have read the full transcript of the court proceedings and confirm or refute the judgement made. please don't base your opinions on the limited information the media provide. otherwise you are just buying into the hysteria to create ratings. Lets not demand justice until we have demanded the facts first! I Challenge a media organisation on behalf of the Australian people to find these facts and publish them un-edited.

From: Lauren
Comment: How can anyone here say that this is justice. It is the biggest miscarriage of justice of all... kill hundreds of Australians and get 2.5 years, but instead we watch a case with too much reasonable doubt (remember, the innocent until proven guilty adage) and people here are unsympathetic to a 27 year old getting 20 years for a crime she has not committed. You should be ashamed of yourselves...

From: Greg
Comment: Will all the Schapelle Corby supporters please stop saying "all Australia wants..." to support their please for her release? All THIS Australian wants is for the justice system of a sovereign country to be respected! In Indonesia the presumption is guilt and the onus on the accused to prove innocence (as it is in several countries around the world). I wasn't there, but nothing reported in the media as having been presented as EVIDENCE has done anything to PROVE her innocence. There is some vague and circumstantial claims (not EVIDENCE) that in Australia MAY establish reasonable doubt. That is all.

From: Jenny
Comment: Why does not one care about those young kids that are going through the same ordeal?

From: Paul
Comment: Imagine yourself in her position. How would you prove that you are innocent when you are presumed guilty? Honest people don't go about their lives making sure they have alibi just in case for every occasion! Presumption of guilt is just plain wrong - a method used by corrupt totalitarian governments to enforce their kind of "law".

From: Charlie
Comment: I think that all Australians should rethink their view on the case, just because she is a beautiful young Australian girl does not mean she is an angel. If we had a case in Australia where an international had 10kg of any drug in their bags and their defense was they do not know how it got there then we would all laugh and accuse them of drug smuggling. I think she is GUILTY. Give her life!

From: Matthew
Comment: If Schapelle is Innocent then my heart is with her and her family, but for all you pathetic People who say unjust comments like "Lets Boycott Bali" and "Stop Funding Monkeys". Shame on you and your insignificent Lives.

From: Daniel
Comment: I firmly believe Schapelle is innocent, why would anyone smuggle marijuana into Indonesia when you can buy it so cheaply on the streets there? The Prosecution could not establish a motive, meaning there was surely some reasonable doubt. God be with you Schapelle, don't give up!

From: Ronnie
Comment: As hard as it is to accept the verdict, Australians should not bring in what we have done for Indonesia as a defence for the case. It is unfortunate what has happened, but deal with it, let the appeals take place and move on.

From: Paul
Comment: Respect the law of other countries guys, and please don't allow a CONVICTED drug smuggler to come home to serve out her sentence in the relative comfort of home. You do the crime, you do the time and in the country you did the offence.

From: Rick
Comment: The Indonesian people are nice people it is their law that is not so nice. Schapelle would never have been convicted in Australia on the evidence presented. The point that needs to be looked at now, failing appeals etc, is that if we are to have a prisoner exchange it should be similar to I think what France's extradition treaty is with Indonesia and that is when the prisoner is returned home they are re tried on the evidence and if convicted sentenced to what they would receive under French law. To have Schapelle come home and have to serve twenty years is laughable - a lot of people in this country would get a fine or 12 months for that amount of marihuana- 20 years? Downer and the Government need to look at this a lot closer than I believe is being done at the present time.

From: Andrew
Comment: Lets get over the emotion and focus on the fact that many seem to be unable to believe - Schappelle received a fair trial and was found guilty. Many of the comments and disbelief are starting to border on racism - if an Indonesian was caught in similar circumstances coming into Australia, many of the people defending Schapelle would be calling for a life sentence!

From: Adele
Comment: After watching the live verdict, which I found to be very upsetting, she didn't have a hope of getting off with a lighter sentence, the justice system seems to have got it all wrong, why was the bag not fingerprinted? if this was not done over here there would be no case. I was also very upset to hear the cheers that came from their people, absolutely disgusting, I for one will not be travelling over there again, if we can't trust our bags not to be interfered here what are our chances of being another innocent victim. From: Katherine
Comment: A fair and just verdict. Already Corby has received more attention, aid and assistance than any other. I commend the Indonesian government for having such steadfast laws. Lets now put our energy and resources in to assisting someone being held unjustly such as Douglas Wood.

[RhondaLee]

From: Shidesha
Comment: This is quite frightening. A lot of Australians are becoming so racist against the Indonesians and I plead with you to not go down that path. Just because the Judge has an opinion about ONE Australian, does NOT mean we should hold a grudge against the entire country, its both immature and extremely dangerous. I personally love Indonesian people, and the country itself. However, I dislike their justice system immensely, and I am now very frightened of it. Il do whatever is in my power to help Schapelle, even though she is guilty - she doesnt deserve this sentence. So I urge my fellow Australians to not fall into the trap of racism, and focus on helping Schapelle, not insulting an entire country of individuals who have nothing to do with this case and are just as normal and nice as we can be.

From: Mike
Comment: I'm from the USA, not familiar with the Australian justice system but I'm sure it's similar to ours. This case seems like a mockery of justice and I will never visit Indonesia. It is too bad that the international aid cannot be easily withdrawn, I personally would not want to support such a regime.

From: Tony
Comment: Ken, obviously you haven't been paying much attention to Schapelle's case and the so called Bali nine. One huge difference is they were caught with the drugs strapped to their bodies and not in their boogy board bag.

From: kylie
Comment: By new laws created since sept 11 you are not allowed to place locks on your bags when traveling anywhere in the world so why should she be labeled stupid by so many of you people out there read up on the law and then you can make judgment not even a lawyer and I know the laws. Come on Johnny do something I am sorry this is a waste of a true Aussie.

From: nell
Comment: Is she actually guilty? Only Shapelle knows the answer to that question. The case has been smothered by the media, resulting in the majority of Australia convinced she is innocent. Maybe we shouldn't be so presumptions?

From: pete
Comment: As wrong as it is, this verdict, whether it is right or wrong will cost Indonesia millions if not billions of dollars over the next 10 years. I for one will never travel there. Not because of this case alone but because if your not set up and convicted of drug smuggling by the most corrupt legal system in the world, you might get killed by government assisted terrorists or even natural disasters. Stay home Aussies, put your money into Australia, the best and safest country in the world.

From: Ann
Comment: I am in total shock at the verdict. That poor girl has had her life taken away when there was no evidence to support the claim that the drugs were hers. The applause in the court room has left a very bitter taste in my mouth and will make me think twice before supporting there country!

From: ellie
Comment: I understand that Indonesian government wants to punish someone for bringing drugs into their country, but I believe they are punishing a wrong person. It is their job to find out the truth and obviously they are not doing a good job. Schapelle should not be suffering from their incompetence.

From: Kate
Comment: All this arguing about whether she is innocent or guilty is masking the reality of her conditions. No one should be locked away under those squalid conditions for a bag of grass. Unbelievable hypocrisy.

From: Shaun
Comment: Perhaps some people need to take a chill pill and ask themselves, was it chance her bag was searched or was there another reason she was picked out?

From: Megan
Comment: I watched the live verdict and found myself emotionally becoming a part of it. I feel for Schapelle, and don't think she deserves such a sentence; guilty or not guilty. If she is innocent, I hope that whoever the true culprit is, is feeling enormous guilt for taking a way 20 years of another person's life.

From: Steve
Comment: As unsavoury as this verdict is, we have no choice but to accept it. All this knee jerk shouts to withdraw out tsunami aid achieves nothing. A judge can only adjudicate on evidence presented. Unfortunately, Indonesian law (as I understand it) needs some hard evidence that the drugs were not Corby's. A lot of circumstantial heresay was presented but nothing else. However the battle is not over and I believe, 12 months from now, Schappelle's case will probably alter Indonesian law. The validity of circumstantial evidence will be tested in the Supreme court as Corby's lawyers argue her innocence on the grounds that tampering could have taken place and that the prosecution cannot guarantee 100% the that drugs are in fact hers and put there by her. The Indonesia people have done no wrong.

From: Andrew
Comment: Do I think Schapelle Corby or somebody traveling with her owned the drugs? Yes I do. The penalty however is absolutely ludicrous! And how dare the Indonesians cheer at the verdict when nine Australians recently lost their lives whilst trying to help their people!!

From: Bob
Comment: Guilty as charged, how can all these people claim that she is innocent, do they know her, were they with her when she got caught or are they just reading the papers who are trying to make money?? Wake up, if it was a young male would we jumping up and down like this??

From: Matt
Comment: We have to put this whole case into perspective. The majority of us believe she is innocent yet what are we basing this on? Probably only gut feeling. The defence was based on plenty of hearsay and circumstantial evidence. The notion of dodgy bag handlers at the airport does not seem like a very strong case. The important thing is that we don't label Indonesia and importantly Bali because of it. The Balinese people do not deserve to suffer due to what many believe as the only verdict that could have come from this case.

From: Eric
Comment: I am Canadian and I have been following this case from the beginning. Sadly, the verdict does not surprise me. If I lived in Australia, I would do all that I could to discourage anyone from travelling to any part of Indonesia...period. I will never travel without my luggage being with me at all times. My days of checked baggage are over. Please remember Shapelle and all other prisoners in your prayers.

From: Darryl
Comment: Guilty maybe. BUT 20 years is pathetic for such a crime. That is my only concern.

From: Tony
Comment: I only have one question for our PM, would he accept the verdict if it was his daughter?

From: Chris
Comment: If John Howard had any guts, he'd withdraw our tsunami funding to Indonesia, withdraw any troops assisting in their own in-fighting and anything else where we have granted assistance. If the Bali Bomber gets a slap on the wrist for killing many Aussies, and Corby goes down for pot, why should we help them?

From: Tristan
Comment: I think she is lucky to get only 20 years, I was expecting life. Anyway is she actually guilty? Probably yes, at the least she guilty of stupidity. I'm pretty sure when picking up her boogy board bag, it would be very easy to tell that there was 4.1 kg of marijuana in it and not a boogy board, if you think your bag is tampered with, just walk away. Don't try and sneak it through customs. Secondly I think the one-sided view of the majority of Australians is appalling. So many people think she's innocent because white and pretty. If she were Asian etc. then she would have no where near as much support, from the public or the media.

From: Sue
Comment: I think if a country can not look at all the evidence to make an inform decision then that country is not worth it for tourism or aid. I will certainly not be helping out a country that cannot conduct their legal system in a just and fair way

From: Geoff
Comment: "honest" John Howard asks us to respect the justice system of another country when we cannot trust or respect his own government's judicial , immigration and detention systems. On the other hand - why should'nt he treat the Australian people as mugs - we put him back in.

From: Blake
Comment: If Beazley wants to win the next election he should do everything in his power to get Scapelle back to Australia. Stand with the majority and he can't lose.

From: Georgia
Comment: Jarrod, under a prisoner exchange treaty Schapelle can be brought back to Australia - but this does not mean she is eligible for early parole or any such niceties. She would remain subject to Indonesia's laws even though she is in Australia. No easy wins on this one.

From: Jonny
Comment: I think the defence did well, as she is not being shot dead. That to me in Indonesia is a success. Many before Schapelle have not enjoyed that outcome of similar cases.

From: Ian
Comment: This case brings an interesting incident to mind. My girlfriend's cousin from California was detained by customs at Sydney Airport on New Years' Eve after finding cannabis in her luggage. After being detained for several hours she was let off with a warning and allowed to enter the country. Apparently the incident was not recorded against her passport. Interesting times...

[Caitlin]

so by your own prejudice

Prejudice miss duce I mealy pointed out that America had set a precedence on a topic you were talking about. I don’t know how you deducted I’m prejudice by mentioning a precedence

so by your own prejudice, since i'm american i must agree with everything my country does?

No dear girl. And I never hinted at such. I don't lump everyone in the same basket.

"RhondaLee, If you can’t find postage stamps, then we know who the airhead is."

why are you always belittling people who don't agree with you?

Nay miss duece You do me wrong again. I only used RhondaLee's own words. (See below) She casted the first stone I mearly picked it up and handed it back

I have trouble finding a store that sells postage stamp....



Besides, what if she is a airhead

[Dododecapod]

During WW2, An american serviceman was caught murdering a woman in Melbourne, and it was discovered that he had killed several women on Australian soil. Australian law was not recognised, and bypassed, and the US Military had tried the man, even though he was still on Australian soil.

Not quite accurate. The man was a rapist, not a murderer. Australia had first dibs on him, due to the crime occuring on Australian soil, but chose to surrender him to the US military. The reason? Australia, at the time imposed the death penalty only for murder, while the US military had (and still does have, I believe) the DP for rape. So, the Australian government allowed the US military to try him by Court Martial, and he was taken off to one of the US islands and hung.

There was a LOT of controversy about it in Australia at the time, but it was primarily aimed at the Attorney General, whom it was felt had erred in handing the serviceman over.

[Caitlin]

Dododecapod. Thanks sweets. I knew about it, but vaguely. Had the story slightly skewed, but I didn’t know where to look.

[maamsboy]

Indonesia is not a military threat and if you believe they are, where is your proof to support you statement?
miss duece is correct in her statement.

[miss duece]

thank you.

[allalone46]

Not quite accurate. The man was a rapist, not a murderer. Australia had first dibs on him, due to the crime occuring on Australian soil, but chose to surrender him to the US military. The reason? Australia, at the time imposed the death penalty only for murder, while the US military had (and still does have, I believe) the DP for rape. So, the Australian government allowed the US military to try him by Court Martial, and he was taken off to one of the US islands and hung.

There was a LOT of controversy about it in Australia at the time, but it was primarily aimed at the Attorney General, whom it was felt had erred in handing the serviceman over.

There was and still is a treaty about it, though pres. Clinton suspended it, and if a asome one in the Australia military or several other contries mitatarys that the US has simialar treatys with did something thay would get him or her to prosicute as well. Oh one other thing, under the UCMJ it is the opoiset than in US civilian cort, In militay cort you have to prove you are inasent, not the prociuter prove you gilty

[Sweep]

I have a good mate who lives in Bali with his Balinese wife.

I was talking to him last week. I'd be very wary of arguing for Shapells innocence after what he told me.

They have followed the case closely as actual observers not via the media. Moreover, they speak Bahasa Indonesian and his wife speaks Balinese as well and they know the culture and the legal system.

Shapelle has got a nre more savvy legal team who will get an appeal and find a suitably corrupt official to declare a mistrial based on insufficient evidence. That doesn't mean that she did'nt do it.

There are no shortage of corrupt officials as I have become quite aware from my frequent visits to Indonesia.

My feeling is that corruption is decreasing under the influence of the current government and one is often pleasantly surprised these days to meet an official who is quite uncorrupt and professional.