The Schapelle Corby Verdict: Why maintain the whinge?

First things first- and as I have said previously- I have no firm view as to whether Schapelle Corby is really guilty or not, and only Schapelle knows that for sure.

But, let's face it it was no real surprise that that she was found guilty.  Despite the media induced outpouring of public emotion and anger that her 20 year jail sentence has caused (even on my own blog), based on everything that was presented during her trial, her conviction was hardly a source of astonishment

But for goodness sakes, some of the rubbish that people are coming out with is beyond crazy.  Let's look at some of the comments that are being frequently made by people following the verdict and sentencing.

"We know she is innocent"
Why are so many people absolutely convinced that she is innocent?  What evidence have they seen that I haven't that gives them so much conviction?  I haven't read through a transcript of her trial and am reliant on the information I have read in the press and online, but I am yet to read anything that provides unquestioning evidence of her innocence.  It seems that just because most of us wouldn't try to smuggle drugs into another country, we assume that someone who looks like us (young Aussie surfer girl) wouldn't be as dumb either.  The media have represented Corby as some kind of girl next door. It is an absurdity to think that common citizens are incapable of criminality.

I even heard someone say that she doesn't "look" guilty.... whatever that means.

If anyone who can provide me with such overwhelming proof of her innocence, I welcome you to give it to me.

"The trial was unfair"
The Indonesian Justice system is different to ours, and thus the trial might seem unfair by our standards, but why does that necessarily make it unfair?  I think the trial was fair.  Defence got a "fair" hearing, as did the prosecution.  The judges made a decision based on the what the heard.  Like it or not, we must accept the that the Indonesian system functions as it does. 
However, I do think that her defence team could have done a better job, but that doesn't mean that the whole trial was unfair, surely?
(I'll have some more to say about her defence later in the week)

"Let's demand our Tsunami aid back"
What a ridiculous, pathetic and counterproductive comment to make.  The reasons why should be evident to anyone with even a modest sense of intelligence.

"The Government should have done more"
Like what?  It is not the role of Governments to interfere in the judicial systems of other nations.  There is absolutely no way we would not tolerate the reverse, ie Indonesia poking it's nose into the way we deal with alleged criminal offenders.  There would be widespread outrage if that happened.

As for calls that the Australian Government should "just bring her home" are naive in the extreme.

She got the normal level of assistance any Australian citizen would receive if they were in her position, and perhaps a little bit more.  Just because it is not splashed across the front page of the newpapers, doensn't mean that the Government did not use every channel, every influence available to them to assist Schapelle.  But at the end of the day, they can't influence a court, whether it is our courts or a foreign court. 

So what more  should our Government have done exactly?  And why are they a source of fault in all of this?  I also think that it's worth remembering that in broad diplomatic terms Indonesia is our friend.

"We should protest and boycott Bali/Indonesia"
Many people have already cancelled trips to Bali, and several protests and rallies are planned for this week.  But why?  As Tony asks, should we persecute the Balinese people over this?  Such a response is the product of the emotional "she's innocent- the trial was unfair" line of argument.  In such a context it makes sense.  But move away from that for a moment and tell me why boycotting Bali is helpful to anything?  It is counterproductive and just portrays us Australians in a pretty poor light.

In conclusion, let me say that I have as much sympathy for Corby as the next person, but I refuse to buy into all the hysteria when it flies in the face of the facts and common sense.

Anyone who wants to counter any of my thoughts is welcome to use the comments area.

Comments

[sharp eye]

I like your points. For me the issue is that Schapelle and her defence team can not provide convincing evidence that she is not guilty.

[mik]

This is becoming a media led farce,swallowed by the gullible, who are ruled by their emotions rather than using any logic.
If you follow ALL the facts,for and against-the Courts decision seems reasonable under the circumstances,even if the penalty is utterly draconian. ,but thats their Law.
Dont forget the Balinese are different to the mainlanders and they dont deserve all this abuse.They also suffered in the Bali bombing.
There are some weird self promoting characters in the background and the story has already been sold to Womens Day.
You can be sure all the money wont be going to Schapelle.
Lets keep a sane sense of proportion and lets hope the Government doesnt go all populist!
What about all the other Aussies in trouble overseas?
The real tragedy about Wood has almost been forgotten.

[Sandi]

Some people live a life in such a way that they are receptive to the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. His spirit tells us if something is true or not. I guess what I am trying to say is that this is how we know Shapelle is innocent this same spirit witnesses to us she is innocent. People with negative comments are so quick to judge.

[Dave]

I totally agree with everything you have said. I think the media has a lot to answer for. The mass hysteria we are witnessing around the country is almost entirely as a result of the various newspapers & news programmes that care less for facts & more for ratings & ultimately the almighty dollar.

With respect to the Australian public's reaction to last Friday's verdict, we are guilty of the very sort of behaviour that we are accusing Indonesia & its legal system of.

[Johnnie Moore]

Sensible post, Shannon.

When I first heard about the Corby case, I was disturbed. But I feel that some of her supporters are now way out of line, descending to racism and remarkable levels of self-rightousness. Some of the comments published on my own blog on this have been completely offensive.

[mik]

Also,the whole circus sets a dangerous precedent in that anyone convicted in future will know that if they kick up enough fuss,they will go to the front of the queue,attention-wise.
Its all against the national interest!
Have you noticed that Corby,Rau and the poor unfortunate Filipino have all been making headlines.
The SisterHood are in power mode!!

[Steve]

A Fair Hearing ,far from it ,evidence left untested its origin unknown. No fingerprints taken ,and the if you want to call it "Justice System " stinks , your guilty until you prove your innocence.
She gets 20 years and what did the Bali Bombers get? I would like to thank Little johny howard and his piss weak cronies for all the good they did .

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[walle]

What the fuck does her innocence have to do with her suffering. i dont care if she did it or not! its not human to put someone in prison for 20 years for 4kg of grass. Your clever remarks is so lame and populistic that it hurts inside. You say that´, She will be out soon and rich! I´m emotional ofcourse and i feel sick to know that there are people who can be logical in these cases. I do agree that the media and people who to loadly scream "innocent" and get out of line totally can be counterproductive.