Schapelle - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I don't know what she is going through but I'm sure it's hell.
In September of 1992 I was dragged into the toilets at Denpasar airtport by police and at gunpoint was told to hand over whatever cash I was carrying. I was scared - but by the looks on their faces it all just seemed like routine.
They took everything.
All my cash and travellers cheques. Everything except my credit card - which was well hidden inside an obscure wallet pocket.
I didn't stay long - in fact I caught the next flight back to Australia.
I was 22 years old at the time and quite naive.
I didn't think about challenging them - I just wanted to get out, and out I got.
That was my fisrt and last time to ever set foot in that country.
It seemed to me at the time a very corrupt place - looks like things have never and will never change.
I think it's high time that Australians find another holiday destination (maybe in our own country !!!!!!) instead of this god forsaken place.
And to Alexander Downer:
If Schapelle were your daughter what the hell would you be doing to help her ???
I think we know the answer to that one.
I would be pretty damn sure this girl is innocent.
No one takes marihuana to Bali Indonesia. It abundant and cheap to buy and it would have very little resale value there. It just doesn't add up.
I too feel that the Australian Government has appeared to do very little to help this girl. And this is not the first time I have felt this way in regards to Australian citizens in trouble overseas.
One thing that does puzzle me is this. She must have had here bags weighted in at check-in in Australia... so a 4kg change in weight would be significant enough to be identified as being in her bags before or after check-in? Can't the Airlines help by providing additional information?
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
I would firstly like to pass a few comments on the first few pags of this petition. Firstly, to the idiots swearing backwards and forwards at each other like school kids, taking the situation so lightly by saying "smoke on" and other such garbage DO NOT represent the same attitude held by other good hearted australians who dont see this situation as a prank gone wrong, rather as a national disgrace for the indonesian justice system, and as well as the nonchallant stance the australian federal government appears to be adopting toward this whole case. A young lady's life is at steak here, and some immature people are making jokes about this? I pray your parents never have to witness you being detained against your will for a crime you didnt commit. Fortunately, Im sure that, living in australia, these immature baffoons will never have to worry about whether or not their life can be so callously taken from them from an archaic, so obviously corrupt and unethical justice system.
Indonesias justice system is certainly among the worst in the world. How can this poor girl receive a fair hearing in bali? Im sure the maniacs responsible for the Bali bombings a few years back received a better hearing than poor Schapelle! Does indonesian justice favour the real criminals and slaughter the innocent? Thats certainly what it appears to be from my prospective. Im sure so many other Australians would agree. And I, for one will put my foot down and boycott all things indonesian if this madness goes right on full speed ahead. Is human life worth so little these days? Have a heart!!
I am appauled how the australian government can possibly wipe their hands clean of this disgrace. They have an obligation to provide this woman with all the legal support, and evidence she requires to prove her innocence. I have no doubt this woman has paid taxes for a good eight or nine years, and has been a good law abiding citizen with an unblemished record. John Howard, how can you sleep at night knowing you sat on this since last october, and only, in this last week, have agreed to come to Schapelle Corbys aid with a witness, when the outcome of this case has almost reached an end? This woman IS innocent. I see it in her eyes, australia sees it in her tears. How can the people of indonesia expect us to pity their people when they threaten to so coldly snuff out the life of one of australias own precious children, for a few kilos of pot discovered in her boogy bag? Give the woman a chance to plead her case, give her the resources she needs and; John Howard and the Government of Australia, for gods sake help this woman! No more excuses! Do what it takes to bring her home!!!
I'll be bouycotting eveything from this country and I will encourage everyone I know to do the same if this madness continues. Shame on the indonesian justice system for allowing this to occur! Shame on the australian government, and john howard. You should have acted upon this alot sooner instead of sitting back on your pompous ass bragging about continuous low interest rates. Fight for whats right. This girl is innocent. There is no evidence against her except for the fact a quantity of cannibis (a decrimilised drug in nsw) which was found in her bag. Test for fingerprints, test for where the cannibis originated from, give Schapelle corby a lie detector test if you horrible people are so sure she did this! John Howard..pull your finger out and star acting like a real person with a conscience, and a sense for whats right and whats clearly not.
This girl is clearly innocent. Her character does not match that of a drug smuggler. Your police have not even checked the bag of marijuana for fingerprints or DNA. How can you claim she is guilty? Do the tests, and give her a fair trial. Please. This young girls life depends on this.
I truly believe you are innocent and will keep you in my prayers.
We CAN do something, keep our Aussie daughter in our minds and hearts in a positive way. And pray for Divine intervention.
I can't begin to imagine the hell you must be going through. I truly believe in your innocence. If I knew of a way to help you I'd do it in an instant.Schapelle, you have a lot of people thinking of you and praying for you.
I think this is horrible what is happening to her. I am only a child, it is scary to think they could shoot her. How come the Bali bombers didn't get the death sentence yet she can? As an 11 y.o. I don't understand this. Can adults understand?
Schapelle if you read this don't give up!
One can't begin to fathom the nightmare Schapelle must be living. The intense stress of her mind and body is clearly visible. Nobody could act this frightened. The eyes are the window to ones soul. Her eyes are tortured, lifeless and terrified. Rarely does the camera capture a sparkle of hope in her eyes, it is more pleading and desperation. She bravely tries to hold back the tears. Her soul must be shattered and trying to grapple with her UNBELIEVABLE predicament. Her body must be starting to shows the signs of infirmity. This photo is like a beautiful creature in a cage.
The irony is that in all likeliness she like the rest of us would 'rather be dead' to coin a phrase, than to find oneself in this extremely difficult situation. Yet that is the very thing she is valiantly fighting for with so little support.
An Indonesioan jail is a far cry from the comforts provided in Australia to hardened criminals. On the news this week it was a joke to see the setup of the Indonesian court system that holds this precious life in their hands. It may as well have been a classroom, no aura of respect, honour, or due process of the law. The lowest courts here in Australia operate with more reverance. How on Earth can one even hope to be found innocent?
It sickened and reminded me of scenes from the movie Midnight Express. One can only hope that the prison conditions are not as bad as portrayed in that movie. One can watch it and feel safe and convince oneself 'it is just a movie and see things like that only happen to somebody else!'
Yes, I agree it is a lack of interest. I am guilty of the lack of interest until I saw her in court this week. Too much of my own strife to deal with recently to be moved. One must be careful lack of interest borders apathy. Well Schapelle is living proof horrible things can happen out of nowhere to every one of us.
When Schapelle goes down in history and she will, one has to live with oneself. 'Could I have
I cant beleive how the Howard government has sat back so long and done nothing to help Ms Corby and yet jumps to give away a Billion dollars to the people that are so hell bent on wanting her executed, Free Schapella Corby NOW.
If no way out is found for this woman... my member of parliament will always receive opposition from me in any issue that benefits Indonesia. My travel dollars will go to Malaysia instead.
Dear Mr Howard,
It would be remiss of me not to write and voice my shear disappointment at the lack of interest, support and assistance being provided to to an innocent Australian in Bali. Ms Corby without doubt is the victim of what can only be described as a shameful act purported by careless drug lords.
You only need to look at her face, her body language and the circumstances to understand her innocence.
Personally, I have traveled to Bali many times and am aware of the laws regarding drugs, but to walk the streets there as an Australian and be badgered constantly by the locals trying to peddle their drugs highlights the drug problem plaguing Bali.
The Bali government are without doubt using this situation to show the rest of the world their lack of tolerance for a problem that their own country cannot control locally.
I personally will never travel to Bali again. I supported both the Australian and Balinese people in their hour of need after the disgraceful Bali bombings, I wept for a week at the persecution of innocent people caught up in tragic circumstances.
We as Australians and you as our 'voice' need to act now and provide whatever assistance is needed by this young lady.
Despicable, disgraceful and outrageous do not strongly enough voice my feelings towards the corrupt government in Bali and a system that is controlled by 'back-handed' money.
If I could cancel my donations made to assist the Balinese people I certainly would.
Mr Howard, you and only you can fast-track any assistance for Ms Corby. We need to act now before we see another innocent person taken down by a government that is corrupt and shows absolute no mercy for human life.
Do not ever loose sight that you as our PM are judged by Australians for doing the small things, not only major policies.
I am sickened to see the despair in Ms Corby face knowing that she is in the lap of of the Gods and not in the heart of our Australian Government.
Voting Australian
What an injustice!!! I cannot put in words the level of disgusted I have with these charges and with the Indonesian government! You can clearly see that this young lady does not fit the drug smuggler profile and even if she did the punishment does not fit the crime. I’m from the USA, and I writing my congressman to let him know that I do not want my hard earn tax dollars going to the rebuilding effort of this morally corrupt society. Release Her! Enough Said.
Wont be going to bali anymore, because they seem to have their priorites in the wrong place. How about catching some muslim extremests, instead of picking on a young girl for some dope !
anyone in their right minds can see that Schapelle is innocent. Why anyone would want to take drugs into Indonesia would have to be nuts and Schapelle knew all about the place. She certainly doesn't look anything like a "drug mule". Get the poor girl out of jail now...
9 lbs. of marijuana and the loss of a young life? Innocent or guilty, I cannot accept that the punishment fits the crime. Schapella has not been responsible for the death of another human being. Having first-hand experience of losing a son in a car due to the irresponsibility of a fool driver, I am astounded that death could be considered a punishment for this young girl by any authority. We must save her. How is it that the Bali bombers and those directly responsible for the deaths of others can "get away with it" and yet she could face a firing-squad? Shameful in this day and age!
no-one short of disability could be this stupid. and if they are that stupid, they still do not deserve to die for stupidity. wake up to yourselves, become human beings and respect each other. stop playing god.
I was raised in an area rife with drug use, especially marijuana. I can pick a user and dealer a mile away. Schapelle Corby is not and never has been a user or dealer of drugs. It is honorable for Bali to resubmit to the world their stance on drug trafficking but the message is clear. Now it is time to release this innocent Australian traveller who is a victim of soft drug trading within the east coast of Australia.
The punishment does not fit the crime. Guilty or not.Watch out for Indonesia in coming years.The way they handle events like this case is nothing when compared to how they will deal with us (Australia) in times to come.I sure hope the U.S.A. is still on our side when it happens.
I currently live in indonesia and have met Schapelle in kerobokan gaol.
If she is found guilty i will be moving back to australia and plan to to never return.
Get behind her people.
It amazes me the ignorant comments made by some people when discussing the issues facing schapelle. I look into her eyes and cannot see a drug trafficker, all I see is a beautiful, scared, frightened woman, trying to come to grips with the situation confronting her. Put yourself in her shoes, God willing you will never have to. People are so quick to judge. This case smacks of injustice. Good on Ron Bakir for all his work.
When I see the fear in Schapelle's eyes it almost brings me to tears. The Australian people are with you Schapelle and I will be following suit with all the rest of the people who signed this petition in boycotting Indonesia. My heart goes out to you.
I have never had the desire nor the inclination to travel to Bali or any part of Indonesia for that matter and have never hesitated to let friends and acquaintances who do travel there, know my thoughts on the subject. This joke the Indonesians call justice just confirms that I was right to feel that way. John Howard, Mick Keelty, Alexander Downer, Chris Ellison and Philip Ruddock and anyone else in authority who has had the opportunity to assist Schapelle should be ashamed for letting such a farce get out of control like this purely because they don't want to upset the Indonesian government and the so called "good relationship" between the 2 countries ($1 billion plus dollars worth of "good relations"!!!!) That is appalling especially after all that has happened to Australians in Indonesia in the past few years. And let's not forget the failure of the Australian government to assist its citizens who have found themselves in difficulties in other countries in recent times. Anyone with a less than average IQ can see that Schapelle has been the victim of a reprehensible act. Shame on that person or persons who have put her in that position and shame on our government. Not only do I advocate a boycott on travel to Indonesia but also a boycott on buying any of their goods or using the services of companies who have affiliations with Indonesia or who have offices in Indonesia ie some of our Australian law firms for example. Schapelle, good thoughts are coming your way from Australia and don't lose hope because judging from the news we are now getting in the past 24 hours it looks as though some commonsense will now prevail and help is on its way to you.
I beleive your innocence, and am praying the Australian Fedral Government will help you more, that you will get a fair trail and that if there are other wittnesses they come forward and save your life. I beleive that God will hear our prayers and your day of victory will come.
It is very disturbing to me how badly the citizens of bali want to see Chapelle executed even before the trial. It has been my observation that australian tourists basically fund thier economy, so why act so ugly and why are they so eager to see someone die ?If i were an aussie i would find another holiday destination.
We love Bali. Please protect the way australians look at Bali. Ensure a honest and just trial for this young Australian girl.. Too many young innocent Aussies have died in Bali alread.
Schapelle is so obviously innocent of the the crime for which she is accused. I have been to Bali twice but would not go again if she is found guilty. If it can happen to her it can happen to anyone and I would not be prepared to take that risk!
I'm all for boycott...not only for this debarcle, but for so many reasons related to it: A pitiful 2 years jail for a mass murderer for one.
There are a lot of people, Michelle, on your side who believe your innocence. This kind of thing has happened before with no publicity, and people have paid...but not you if there's anything we can do about it!
Schapelle I believe in you and no matter what anyone says to you when you are free, which you will be very soon i pray, keep your head high and stand up for yourself mate. You know the truth, your family knows the truth and the people who believe in you know the truth.I believe that Mr Mick Keelty has alot to answer for, and Mr Keelty if it was one of your daughters you would be kicking up the biggest stink because your on the 'inside' so to speak. Best Wishes to Shapelle and Her Family and i will be following you every step of the way. Maybe they should be spending the money used on this case to upgrade the missing persons sector or finding out what we are going to do with all these refugees. good luck Schapelle
I pray Schapelle will be released and returned to her family. What perverted sort of justice will apply a sentence of death to an offense so trivial as that of which she stands accused ? What's more, there's no proof Schapelle was even aware of the presence of drugs in her luggage. Clearly the courts in Bali do not adhere to the same standards as those in Australia, Britain or the USA. Her continued detention, with the threat of violent death hanging over her, outrages the conscience. The Australian government should spare no effort to secure her release.
Shame on the Australian governement for doing absolutely nothing. "Mad" Ron is a wonderful, caring person and the voice of many. He has brought so much attention to Schapelle's plight and now she is finally starting to get the help that she should have had in the first place. We can't stop thinking about Schapelle and won't rest until she is released. We can't even begin to imagine what she has been through. Schapelle is innocent and has been treated abhorrently.
Whether she did it or not is irrelevant.
It is institutinalised madness to treat this as a crime a par with atrocities such as the recent bombing in Bali.
Free her now you morons!
As an Australian citizen who has regularly enjoyed holidays in Bali, I am horrified by the inhuman policies conducted by the Balinese. I will not set foot in that place again.
This is a DISGRACE!! Tell me where the justice is for this girl who faces the DEATH penalty for something as petty as cannibus yet it appears to be OK for someone to set a bomb off and kill over 200 people, laugh in court at what he did and get a lousy 2 years!! GOD HELP US ALL!!
I say we all boycot Bali, never to return. How could one possibly give their money to a government who sees this kind of crime as one that warrants a death penalty!
John Howard, if you dont act upon this the way you should, as if this girl were your own daughter or wife, then be it blood on your hands!
Come home Schapelle. Come home where you belong.
Schapella is a beautiful young girl who deserves to be back home here in Australia where she belongs, getting on with her life. I pray for her every night, in the hope that those who hold her will see the light. Every bit of evidence we are putting forward is helping. I agree, boycott the place. If I was PM, I'd cut off every tie we have with Indonesia until they do the right thing. Schappella should receive an award for her amazing perserverance!
I do not expect your laws to change, however I hope her evidence is given equal merit.
Australia prosecuted Chika Honda, a Japanese citizen, who was wrongly convicted, so we are not above moral purity with regards this context. We are not in any way superior and this case proves it, but we should hope for justice for evry citizen, wheteher native or foreign. Thankyou
I do not expect your laws to change, however I hope her evidence is given equal merit.
Australia prosecuted Chika Honda, a Japanese citizen, who was wrongly convicted, so we are not above moral purity with regards this context. We are not in any way superior and this case proves it, but we should hoipe for justice for evry citizen, wheteher native or foreign. Thankyou
If the bali government expects to receive any tourism at all they better lift their game with lying, pathetic local airport security. She better get a far go.
If the Judges of Bali find Ms Corby innocent THANK YOU for seeing the deception others have put the courts through. If they find her Guilty DAMN you for not opening your eyes and minds. AUSTRALIANS are watching this case very carefully and our hearts are with Schapella and her family LET HER GO SHE IS INNOCENT.
The penalty is WAY out of proportion to any "crime" committed -- many would say there was no crime at all -- and it is OBVIOUS it was entrapment and a setup. Go after the REAL criminals, or is that hitting too close to home???
this is an unbelievable situation. Our whole family feel sick that she has been left to rot. If it was John Howards daughter she would never have been put thru this disgusting wrong doing .Help this girl now.
Free Schapelle! How can a country where drugs are basically offered to you on the beach and streets, want to kill a innocent girl. They should look at the traffickers in their own country and kill them first!!!
Schapelle, many of us believe in your innocence. You are the victim of a hideous crime that must be righted. Our government has taken too long to see that justice is done and while they have this attitude, none of us are completely free to travely the world safely as is our right. Hang in there Schapelle, you have many back home in Australia that believe you and hope and pray that you will soon be free.
Schapelle is not guilty!! Set her free. This poor girl and what effect it will have have on her life. Stay strong Schapelle, show everyone your true Aussie spirit!!
Please free Scapella Corby. It is obvious to the whole world that she is an innoccent woman.By convicting this innoccent woman you will be allowing the real drug trafficers to remain free to stike again on another innoccent victim.Come on John Howard do the right thing by your citizens and stand up to the Indonesian government, if not lets hope the next victim is not your daughter.
Schapelle is obviously innocent. Anyone can tell just by her body language.Does the Indonesian government have any idea what effect this will have on this vivacious 27yo?? One way or another she will be freed.
