Schapelle - A Plan is emerging!!

Based upon the article from the Melbourne Age (extracts below) and a couple of other things that I have read over the last two days, I am seeing evidence that our Government (including Prime Minister John Howard, Attorney General Philip Ruddock, Justice Minister Ellison, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer) are all VERY MUCH AWARE of Schapelle Corby and her plight in Indonesia.  I am forming the opinion that these Ministers are ACUTELY aware of the importance of Schapelle Corby to so many, many Australians and that they have some clear views on when and how they will make a difference for Schapelle (and indeed all of us who are supporting Schapelle.)

To Schapelle - I hope that this message can be delivered to you by someone in Bali who is in a position to convey this to you...  You have shown us your strength and determination under un-imaginable adversity ...maintain your strength and vision of coming home soon - Know that so many Australians are thinking of you every minute  of every day and are praying and campaigning for you so that this nightmare that you are living can be ended at the earliest possible time.  Stay strong, you WILL be home soon.

It is my view that whilst this case is in front of the Indonesian court, even the Indonesian PM has no power to alter the course of events until the court case is concluded and sentence is pronounced. (I'm not saying that is how it "should be" - it is just "how it is") Once sentence is pronounced, I believe that we will see our Government engage in some "diplomacy" to influence the Indonesian Govt, who, I imagine, will then be in a position to act in relation to Schapelle.

From all of us in Australia that are praying and petitioning and campaigning for you.

Extract of Article from today's Melbourne Age <full Article>

"The plight of accused Australian drug smuggler Schapelle Corby had been raised indirectly with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Prime Minister John Howard said today."...

"...Attorney-General Philip Ruddock raised issues surrounding Corby's trial during the meeting, Mr Howard said."

"Not in a direct sense because that would be inappropriate, quite inappropriate," Mr Howard told Sydney radio 2GB when asked if he had raised Corby's case.

"She's still before a court and quite properly, if a foreign leader came to Australia and asked me to do something about the outcome of a trial in this country, I would say 'Well it's not my place to do that because the courts are independent'.

"We did, however, in discussion, have the attorney-general raise the question of some general issues relating to the operation of the mutual assistance treaty under which that witness was sent to Indonesia and also some other related matters. (That appears to be a fairly "interesting" phrase)

"I think that was the appropriate thing to do."

"The government is also reportedly considering asking for her sentence to be served in an Australian jail if she is found guilty." (See Justice Minister Ellison's statement)

"I feel for her, I feel for her family, I feel for anybody - guilty or innocent - in a situation like that, obviously far more if they're innocent," Mr Howard said.

"We just have to wait and see. But the Indonesian justice system has to be respected, just as we ask other people to respect our justice system."

- AAP