Call for more support for Corby

Schapelle Corby

Give more help to Corby: Dems
February 25, 2005


THE Federal Government should be doing more to ensure Gold Coast woman Schapelle Corby had a fair trial in Bali, the Australian Democrats said today.

Ms Corby is accused of smuggling more than 4kg of cannabis onto the island last October - an offence which carries the death penalty.
Democrats justice spokesman Brian Greig said the Federal Government should be doing more for Ms Corby instead of picking and choosing which Australian citizens, who found themselves in trouble overseas, it decidedto help.

Senator Greig said while it was good news Gold Coast entrepreneur Ron Bakir had sponsored a legal team to help Ms Corby, it was a sad indictment on the Government such aid had to come from the private sector.
"Here is a young Australian who is facing the death penalty if she is convicted of these charges," Senator Greig said.
"The Government should be taking every step possible to ensure that she receives a fair trial and if the worst occurs, that she is not executed.
"Instead, it has been left to a well-meaning private individual to send legal help to do what the Government should be doing."

Senator Greig said in cases where the death penalty was at stake, there was an even more urgent need for the Government to provide assistance.
Lawyers for Corby, who proclaims her innocence, have argued there were serious anomalies in statements about her travel movements before arriving in Bali, which the Australian Government could help clear up.
AAP