Perpetuating a myth

B. F. Piddick’s comments “Unequal injustice” (Letters, June 1) perpetuate a muth eagerly fostered by the Australian media.

Referring to Schapelle Corby’s 20-year sentence, Piddick asks “What did the Bali bombers get for killing 200 people?” Well, if you’d been paying attention, you’d know that all three bombers brought to court were sentenced to death.

Would you have preferred a harsher penalty?

Whether she’s guilty or not, the media coverage of the Corby case has been disgraceful – lies, omissions, sensationalism, xenophobia, chequebook journalism and trial by television.

This has fueled a shameful public backlash, and not just from radio shock jocks.

Ordinary Australians complained about Indonesian corruption, but then wanted favourable treatment for Corby because they’d handed over tsunami cash relief.

Then there were Bali boycotts, death threats and now attacks on the Indonesian Embassy. Perhaps any Australian hunt for terrorists should be directed a little further south and at those with lighter-coloured skin.

Colin McDonald (not the QC)
Stuart Park

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Fri, 03 June 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Colin McDonald (not the QC)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
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