Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
NEWSFLASH: Schapelle Corby Found Guilty
NEWSFLASH: Schapelle Corby Found Guilty Of Drug Trafficking
Australian beauty therapist Schapelle Corby has been found guilty of drug trafficking by a court in Bali Indonesia of trafficking 4 kilograms of marijuana to Indonesia.
In announcing the verdict the judge's words were drowned out by screaming in the court from relatives of Ms Corby. Consequently the translator employed by Prime Television to relay the verdict via live feed was unable to discern what the sentence was.
The translator heard the words 20 years and six months and guessed that he might mean that she was sentenced to 20 years in prison, less six months already served whilst awaiting trial.
Consequently a television announcer was able to confirm that the 20 years sentence was correct. Subsequent reports have clarified the sentence to be a 20 year period in jail and an approx. $10,000 fine. If the fine is not paid six months will be added to the prison term.
Schapelle Corby was visibly distressed but dignified throughout the reading of the verdict. When her family screamed out she urged them to settle down.
Ms Corby has till next Wednesday to appeal the decision.
Alastair Thompson
Scoop Publisher
Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.
Gordon Campbell: On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
Peter Dunne: Newshub And TVNZ Tip Of Media Iceberg
Harry Finch: Austerity – For And Against
Gordon Campbell: On Winston Peters’ Pathetic Speech At The UN
Binoy Kampmark: Flicker Of Hope, Biden’s Throwaway Lines On Assange
Media Matters NZ: Here We Go Again