Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jan 2006
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Schapelle+Corby

CORBY'S 20-YEAR SENTENCE REINSTATED

An Indonesian court has reinstated the original 20-year sentence given
to convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby.

Corby, 28, was found guilty last May of smuggling 4.1 kilograms of
marijuana into Bali in a boogie board bag.

Last October her lawyers successfully argued for her sentence to be
reduced to 15 years.

Corby then launched another appeal against the conviction, which
judges rejected last week.

The judges have instead upheld a prosecution counter-appeal against
the leniency of the 15-year sentence.

"A decision made on January 12, 2006, has reinstated the [original]
sentence," Supreme Court spokesman Joko Upoyo Pribadi said.

Mr Pribadi has given no reason for the decision and the Supreme Court
usually does not explain its rulings nor publicise them.

The Supreme Court has ordered the drugs to be destroyed - a sign that
this is the end of Corby's official avenues of appeal.

One of Corby's lawyers, Erwin Siregar, says he has heard about the
ruling.

"I have only heard that an appeal verdict was issued by the Supreme
Court which reinstated the 20-year jail sentence," he said.

"I have not yet received a copy of the verdict and therefore cannot
comment more than that."

Corby has always denied the drugs are hers, suggesting that her
baggage was tampered with en route to Bali. 
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