Corby controversy II

Corby controversy II

While the public's sympathy is understandable, it is on the
facts that the court has had to make its judgment. The legal
process in Bali was unfamiliar and may have appeared even
chaotic, given the free media access to the courtroom. However,
that does not mean the Chief Justice, Linton Sirait, presides
over a kangaroo court without proper legal process.

Yet long before the sentence was handed down many concerned
Australians had elevated Schappelle Corby to martyr status. But a
martyr to what cause? There are 155 Australians in foreign jails
on drugs charges, two facing the death penalty.

It is utterly dismaying that some of Corby's supporters
resorted to blatantly racist slurs, discrediting the verdict in
advance by demeaning the judges on racial grounds and, in some
case, vilifying all Indonesians.

An immediate appeal is expected, and Indonesia is cooperating
fully on a prisoner exchange treaty which is likely to bring
Corby home. Such treaties go a long way to easing tensions
because Australians are spared imprisonment below standards
accepted by the community.

A special "one-off" Corby deal, however, would be
inappropriate. All Australians must be treated equally. This
includes the two young Australians on death row in Vietnam and
Singapore.
-- The Sydney Morning Herald.