Australian Media Accused Over Schapelle Corby
An independent film has today been released which condemns Australia's media over their long term reporting of the
Schapelle Corby case.
In 2005, Schapelle Corby was sentenced to an unprecedented 20 years in an Indonesian prison cell, for importation of
marijuana, following one of the most harrowing show trials of modern times. As a recap, the film cites some of the many
breaches of judicial protocol, including the refusal of the court to test the drugs for country of origin, the
subsequent burning of the untested drugs, and the much lesser value of the drugs in Indonesia than in the country of
alleged export, Australia.
The main body of the film, however, highlights the Australian government's position in terms of its strategic
relationship with Indonesia, and identifies a six step media management process designed to influence public opinion
against her. The specific steps described by the film range from the selective and repeated use of the phrase "Convicted
drug smuggler, Schapelle Corby" to what it terms "constant and unsubstantiated smear and innuendo against her and her
family". It further alleges the marginalization of the reporting of real events and news, and the systematic shifting of
focus from legal and human rights abuses.
For each step, the video also explains the impact, in terms of effect on public perception and opinion.
The films producers state: "Some of the worst excesses in Australian journalistic history have been evident with this
case. Stories have been fabricated, and legally shown to have been fabricated. Opinion has been presented as fact, and
real facts have been buried. The Australian public have slowly but surely had a false picture pulled over their eyes, to
blind them from what they had actually seen for themselves."
They continue: "The real news is the show trial, the breaching of Schapelle Corby's legal and human rights, and her
appalling conditions and suffering over the last four years. But when was any of this last reported?"
The movie also quotes the CLA (Civil Liberties Australia), who recently accused the media of becoming her persecutor and
the FPSS (Foreign Prisoner Support Service), who in the same article allege media victimization.
The video, which is titled 'Burying the Truth, Burying Schapelle Corby', can be viewed on YouTube
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYCuzE16tQE). It is also available from several Schapelle Corby support sites (including
www.schapelle.net/media.html) and a range of human rights related portals.
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS This is the second film on this case from the same independent production team, which promises
further investigative releases in the future.
ENDS