The quality of mercy
This question will be answered shortly. First, however, I'd like to make a few introductory remarks.
As I write this, at about 2.30a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time, Schapelle Corby is on her way home to Australia by plane from Bali, where she has spent the last 13 years: in prison (9 years) and on parole (4 years).
(This page has been in my website since I launched it in mid-2006, almost eleven years ago. It's had a few previous updates,
most recently on 7th April 2010.)
In case you don't know what this is about, may I ask you to visit the
Wikipedia page
about Schapelle. Please note that it's a long, complicated, messy story with numerous very disturbing overtones.
The main aspect of the saga which convinced me that Schapelle has been the victim of a colossal miscarriage of justice
was the fact that the material evidence in the case was destroyed (burnt) before the trial, so that it was not available for Schapelle's legal team to use to prove her innocence. (It didn't take me very long to decide to post this page within my website, let me tell you.) There are plenty of other very nasty aspects which, to my mind, only serve to reinforce my opinion in the
matter.
I don't want to go into all the details here. Instead, may I ask you to visit
this
page, posted by a support group entitled "People for Schapelle Corby", for further background.
Just a few more things to say, before I wind this up:
I've been quite disgusted to observe the flippant rudeness of many commentators, from across the media spectrum - even on
the ABC, for heaven's sake - in their reporting style about this over the last few days. Even worse is the behaviour of
the feral
"paparazzi",
who - it seems - have learned nothing over the past two decades. Shame on them all.
It was also quite nauseating to see on my TV screen a smug, smirking official, commenting - in a sanctimonious and
patronizing way - about how Schapelle's "behaviour" has improved over the last few years. Respect?
Zilch!!!
I believe that, as must always happen when there's injustice, the truth will come out eventually. I just hope it
happens sooner rather than later.
I mentioned earlier that I'd put off for a long time updating this page. Why?
The fact is that some people - the
"Bali Nine"
- were indeed involved in drug-smuggling in Indonesia a few years ago. The two ringleaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were sentenced to death. Despite compelling evidence that they were both clearly remorseful and rehabilitated during their time in prison, the executions - by firing squad - went ahead on 29th April 2015.
I thought, in the lead up to these ugly events and afterwards, that it might be an idea to "keep my head down", for the
time being at least. It occurred to me that - although unlikely - the possibility existed that to comment on any of the
issues surrounding Schapelle's case might perhaps have undesirable ramifications. So I took the view that discretion may well be the better part of valour. However, with Schapelle returning and soon to be safely back on home soil, I think that now is the time - finally - to have my say.
Following is the original text of this page, for the record.
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The quality of mercy is not strained:
- from William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", Act IV, Scene 1
Was she guilty? Hardly anyone in her own country seems to think so - and
this in a nation which has, in the past, been all too willing to condemn the
innocent. Perhaps Australia is waking up at last; and natural justice, with
room for mercy, is beginning to be understood here. Also, notably, in that
country in which this ugly deed has been perpetrated, there are quite
clearly many who are just as horrified at the outcome as are her
compatriots.
Of course, there must be a justice system. Of course, it will never be
perfect. Of course, the guilty will sometimes go free.
So we shouldn't be too surprised if, sometimes, the innocent are convicted.
Schapelle, your dignity in the face of great pomposity and cruelty places
you head and shoulders above the system which has let you down so badly.
Your soul remains free; nobody can ever rob you of that.
It's easy to become angry; it's difficult to reign it in. I know this from
experience: losing one's temper can get one into great trouble. Patience is
a hard lesson to learn, and perhaps we can never learn it completely. But
today, Schapelle Corby shone like a beacon, a tower of strength to all
right-minded people, and a bright, burning, searing light to those for whom
the phrase "the quality of mercy" has no meaning.
Schapelle, millions of Australians - and, I'm quite sure, millions around
the world - are with you in spirit, sharing your imprisonment in their
hearts. Never give up; in the end, real justice must triumph over
small-mindedness and vengeance. You are an inspiration to us all.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
Please, take the time to visit the following website, and lend a hand:
PLEASE - HELP BRING SCHAPELLE HOME
UPDATE, Thursday, 18th September 2008
This page has been a part of my website since I launched it in early July
2006. I made a point then of placing it at the top of my "Main Menu" (see
the link at the bottom of this page); and it's still there. It can continue
to stay there until justice is finally done.
I've known for some time that this page was in urgent need of an update. In
particular, Ms. Corby is no longer under threat of a death sentence, so that
the "Don't shoot Schapelle" message is out of date. However, she is still in
custody, serving a 20-year sentence. The graphic link, above, still "works"
- i.e. the page to which it points still exists, and is worth a visit.
The opportunity to update this page in a meaningful way came yesterday. I'm
in touch with Schapelle's support group, and receive regular emails with
news about her situation and requests for support in practical ways. Such an
email came yesterday. I replied and asked if it would be OK for me to
include the contents of the email within this page; and the answer was an
enthusiastic "Yes".
So that's what I've done. Before reading it, however, may I invite you to
visit either or both of the following websites to get some background, if
you're not already familiar with the case:
http://www.schapelle.net/
http://www.freeschapelle.com.au/
There are plenty of other links to follow within those pages.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Now, here is the text, just as it came, of yesterday's email:
The four year anniversary of Schapelle Corby's imprisonment will fall on
October 8, 2008.
At this time, we are asking ALL of our members to join us in a mass mailing
of our "Release Schapelle Proposal" to the Indonesian President. Please take
the time to read this email and see how your small effort can have a huge
impact on securing Schapelle's release. We are NOT asking for donations or
money, so please read on.
I am attaching a pre-written letter and will ask each one of you to print
two copies of this letter and mail as instructed below. We ask that you send
your copies ON OR BEFORE SEPT 28, 2008 if at all possible. Please feel free
to write your own letter if you prefer. It is important that all
correspondence to the Indonesian President is polite and positive.
A lot of questions have arisen in regards to all the controversy involved in
this case. Schapelle Corby is unquestionably innocent and there are so many
facts that lead us to believe in her innocence. If you ever sit and wonder
about all the maybes in this case. Please remember: MAYBES are what keep
people OUT of prison in a civilized society. Would you want to be locked up
for 20 years on a MAYBE?
If your answer is no, then please take the time to join us in this World
Wide Chain of Care. With full respect to everyone's busy, busy lives, we
request this small effort on your part. You cannot imagine how much this
would mean to Schapelle and her family, as well as all of us who believe in
and cherish our freedom.
For those who feel that they can offer more, by all means make additional
copies of the letter and provide them to friends, neighbours, family or work
colleagues - anyone who might take the time to mail them as well. Every
single effort counts!!! Thank you all so much!!!
Lastly, we are trying to record the number of letters mailed as an
inspiration to everyone involved, and to let Schapelle know how much we all
care. I humbly request that you send a quick "reply" to this email and let
us know that you sent the letters. For anyone who sent more than one please
just indicate the number of letters sent and where you are from. We really
need all the numbers we can get!!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this email. Let's tell the World
and Schapelle that we care!!!!
PS: We'd like you to tell all of your friends about this - Please click here
to Tell A Friend: (http://www.freeschapelle.com.au/tellafriend.htm)
Warmest regards,
Schapelle Supporters United.
Print two copies of the following letter (one copy for the Indonesian President, and one copy for the Australian Prime Minister). Sign your name and address or just country of origin if you prefer. Schedule a time for a quick trip to your nearest Post Office and you're done!!!
Mail Copy #1 to:
The Honorable President
Mail Copy # 2 to:
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
September 20th, 2008
The Honorable President
WITHOUT PREJUDICE
RE: Alternative Proposal for Schapelle Leigh Corby
Your Excellency:
I am writing to ask if you would be willing to consider a special release
for Schapelle Leigh Corby, the Australian woman currently serving a 20 year
sentence in Kerobokan prison for drug trafficking.
There are several very good reasons for doing so.
The most important, in my opinion, is that Ms. Corby can be an extremely
valuable ally in the war on drugs.
Schapelle Corby is only one of over 200 Australians imprisoned in foreign
jails. It is clear that the Australian government needs to educate young
people about the need for responsible and respectful behavior when traveling
abroad.
I believe that Schapelle Corby would be an ideal candidate for this. She has
an enormous public following in Australia, and hundreds of supporters who
could be mobilized to support the program. She knows what it's like to be
arrested in a foreign country, to face a possible death sentence, and to
serve time in prison.
Why not send her home to speak to high school and university students about
her experiences? If she could talk to the next Scott Rush or Renae Lawrence
before they get involved in trafficking, many senseless tragedies could be
prevented.
This can be done very easily with the cooperation of the Australian
government.
In an interview published on August 24 of this year, Kay Danes of Foreign
Prisoners Support Service called publicly for an educational program
targeted at youthful travelers. It is a brilliant idea, and I sincerely hope
that both you and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia will pursue it.
The other reasons concern the basic facts of the case.
•
It is a fact that Australians involved in trafficking are moving drugs out
of Indonesia - not in.
•
It is a fact that Ms. Corby has never been a drug addict, and was not
desperate for money.
•
It is a fact that no attempt was made to conceal the marijuana in her
luggage.
•
It is a fact that this unconcealed drug shipment had to pass through heavy
airport security in the middle of a terrorism alert.
•
It is a fact that drug traffickers have been known to use the luggage of
innocent travelers to move drugs around Australia.
Sir, these are the reasons why Ms. Corby now has over 500 registered
international supporters, with more signing up every week. It is extremely
difficult for us to understand why she would attempt to commit a crime like
this under these circumstances.
Please consider the following two possibilities:
1) The drugs were being shipped within Australia by unknown traffickers.
They were placed in her luggage without her knowledge, but the traffickers
failed to remove them later.
2) The drugs were planted in Bali by unknown traffickers as a diversion.
While the police were focusing on Ms. Corby, a more valuable shipment was
being moved out of a different part of the airport.
This second technique - sacrificing a drug shipment as a diversion - has
been used by traffickers before.
Either way, the result has been a tragic miscarriage of justice that has
done enormous and unnecessary harm to your country's reputation.
In conclusion, please accept my assurances that Ms. Corby and her supporters
are not the enemies of your country. They are aware of the problems that
drugs are causing in your country, and would gladly assist your people in
solving them if given an opportunity to do so.
cc. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia
Sincerely,
UPDATE, Thursday, 4th December 2008
Last Saturday (29th November), I received an email from the Schapelle
Support and Lobby Network, with whom I am in touch (see above). Attached was
a Word document, a 2008 Season's Greeting Card. With their permission, I
have made it available in this website; you can download it, if you wish, by
right-clicking
here (~4.5Mb).
Also in that email (the group's December 2008 Newsletter) is the following
request:
UPDATE, Sunday, 31st May 2009
I've just received another email from Schapelle's support group. It has
prompted me to add this update.
Her health has deteriorated; she has been admitted to a Bali psychiatric
hospital with depression. With 16 years of her 20-year sentence still to
serve, it seems that she has given up hope of ever being released.
- And she is still innocent.
Please visit the following link:
http://www.schapelle.net/faq.html
- which gives a summary of Schapelle's real-life horror story. There are
links to several YouTube videos within that page; please take the time to
view them all:
Burying The Truth: Burying Schapelle Corby
Rumpole versus Murdoch
"Tidak Bersalah (I'm Not Guilty)"
UPDATE, Wednesday, 7th April 2010
A few days ago I received as an email attachment the latest newsletter from
Schapelle's support network. In it was a mention of a song written for
Schapelle by an Aussie bloke named Peter Reynolds. I was immediately
interested, and visited Mr. Reynolds' website to see what it was all about.
He has recorded two versions of the song, "Mr. Yudhoyono". I downloaded both
versions and listened to them, and then sent an email to Mr. Reynolds to ask
for permission to post one or both versions here. He has asked me to post
the second version of the song. You can left-click here to play it directly:
Before you say anything, I know that this page has been in urgent need of an update for a very long time. So why
has it taken me so long to get around to it?
F I N A L L Y
Schapelle's imminent return has been in the news for the past few days. The standard format, across all media channels
that I've seen, is to refer unremittingly to Schapelle as "convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby".
Welcome home, Schapelle - and may you soon find the justice that has been denied you for so long.
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The quality of mercy
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: It is twice blessed;
It blesses him that gives, and him that takes...
Today (Friday, 27th May, 2005), the world witnessed an act which was devoid
of mercy. After more than two hours, during which every piece of evidence
both for the prosecution and the defence was presented in intricate detail,
the judges in a case which will go down in history as a colossal miscarriage
of justice decided to completely ignore the considerable arguments for the
defence, and sentence a young Australian woman to twenty years in jail.
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice...
INSTRUCTIONS:
Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Gedung Bina Graha Lt.2
JL Veteran No 16
Jakarta - Indonesia
Prime Minister of Australia
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Australia
The Letter:
Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Gedung Bina Graha Lt.2
JL Veteran No 16
Jakarta - Indonesia
- and I've just sent off my two letters (under my real name, of course). How
about you? Will you get involved?
Special Announcement:
The
http://www.schapelle.net/
web owner in the
U.K. has asked for as many of us as possible to send a photo of ourselves
holding up a sign saying,
"(name of your city) says, 'FREE SCHAPELLE'"
Let's do whatever it takes to achieve the desired result: Schapelle, home
with her family, as soon as possible.
THE SCHAPELLE CORBY NIGHTMARE
(holding the media to account)
- a song of protest by indie-pop artist Tara Hack
PLEASE - GET INVOLVED
How can we be content to live in a world in which this kind
of thing can happen without doing something to help?
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