Howard writes to convicted drug trafficker

Howard writes to convicted drug trafficker

Agencies, Canberra

Prime Minister John Howard has written to an Australian woman convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia promising to do all he can to help her appeal.

Howard sent the letter to Corby Schapelle on July 9 in response to a personal appeal for help that she wrote to him from her prison cell on the resort island of Bali. He released his letter to the media on Monday.

Australia's government "will continue to provide every assistance it can under our legal system," Howard wrote in the letter.

Corby, a 28-year-old beauty school student, was sentenced to 20 years in May after being convicted of smuggling 4.1 kilograms of marijuana into Bali airport in October last year.

Her conviction sparked an angry backlash in Australia. Threats and packages of white powder were sent to the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra following Corby's trial, forcing its temporary closure.

"I need your help to prove my innocence to the court to release me from this nightmare," Corby told Howard in her letter dated July 5.

"I feel for you and your family at this very difficult time," Howard replied. "I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that I will continue to take a personal interest in your case."

Bali's High Court has since agreed to reopen the case to hear new evidence from witnesses who could support Corby's claim that the drugs found in her possession were placed there by someone else.

The court has allowed Corby a new hearing on July 20 during which up to 12 new witnesses are expected to testify that the drugs were planted in her surfboard bag.

Corby's lawyers claim that Corby was probably the victim of a domestic drug smuggling ring involving corrupt baggage handlers. They say the ring used her luggage to transport cannabis on a domestic flight but failed to retrieve the drugs before her bags were transferred to an international flight.

Several of the potential new witnesses are believed to be already serving prison sentences in Australia, while others are thought to be baggage handlers and other airport staff.

Howard said his government was prepared to assist witnesses to give evidence in Bali, but that it "cannot compel any witness to give evidence against their will."

Jakarta must seek Canberra's permission if potential witnesses want indemnity from prosecution in Australia, and before someone already convicted of a crime in Australia is allowed to testify in Bali, Howard said.

Alternatively, the Australian government can provide the equipment to allow witnesses to testify from Australia via a video link, the prime minister said.

Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison has written to Sydney airport management and the airline that flew Corby to Bali, Qantas Airways Ltd., seeking help in encouraging potential defense witnesses to come forward, Howard said.