March 24
INDONESIA/AUSTRALIA:
Prisoner to fly to Bali for Corby trial
The Federal Opposition says the Government is doing the right thing in its
response to Schapelle Corby's drug trial in Indonesia.
The Government has agreed to transfer a Victorian prisoner to Bali to give
evidence in the 27-year-old woman's trial for marijuana trafficking.
It comes after the Indonesian Government issued a request under the Mutual
Assistance Treaty.
The Opposition's Kevin Rudd has welcomed the decision by the Justice
Minister Chris Ellison to transfer the prisoner.
"We think that's an appropriate course of action given the serious charges
which she is facing," he said.
"We support the Howard Government's decision on this matter and we also
support the request by the Indonesians for the witness to be able appear."
Justice Minister Chris Ellison says the request is being dealt with as a
matter of urgency.
"Arrangements are being worked on as we speak by the Australian Federal
Police and Victoria Police and we hope to have this person in Bali to give
evidence on either Tuesday or Thursday next week," he said.
"Those two days have been set aside by the court as possible dates for
this evidence to be given."
Corby's defence team says the inmate is crucial to its argument that the
marijuana found in her bodyboard bag was put there after she checked in
for a flight from Australia to Bali.
The Victorian Attorney General, Rob Hulls, says the state will do all it
can to assist the Federal Government.
Corby, who has consistently denied the smuggling charges, faces a possible
death sentence if she is found guilty.
(source: ABC news Australia)
