Corby's Release Hopes Boosted by Indonesia

KOMPAS.com - Indonesia's foreign ministry has recommended that Schapelle Corby's appeal for clemency be considered favourably to help achieve her early release from prison on 'humanitarian' grounds.

The recommendation follows strident lobbying by Kevin Rudd, both as prime minister and, more recently, Foreign Minister. While good news for Corby, the Indonesian foreign ministry's view is one of several to be considered by the President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Corby is serving a 20-year prison sentence for smuggling 4.2 kilograms of cannabis to Bali and has appealed to Dr Yudhoyono to be released from prison, citing severe depression. She maintains her innocence.

According to a source, Indonesia's foreign ministry has urged a 'humanitarian' approach, calling for 'leniency leading to her release from Kerobokan prison'.

The Herald understands officials from several Indonesian government departments will meet with counterparts from Dr Yudhoyono's state secretariat this week to consider a number of clemency bids, including Corby's. Indonesia's Supreme Court and ministry of justice have input but the final decision rests with Dr Yudhoyono.

The high profile of the case is why Indonesia's foreign ministry has, unusually, been asked for its opinion. Last month Mr Rudd lobbied for Corby in a New York meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Marty Natalegawa.