Dear Supporters,
Whilst it is often tempting to write emotive letters to Governments demanding social justice and to highlight injustice, it is seldom rewarded by a positive reaction. With this in mind, we have sought a diplomatic approach and have provided below a sample letter that would be considered more appropriate in seeking mercy for Schapelle Corby.

Sample Open Letter to President of Indonesia

[insert date]
RE: Appeal by [insert your name] for Australian Schapelle Corby detained in Kerobokan Prison, Bali.
H.E. President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono President of Indonesia

Your Excellency,

    I write to you with the greatest respect as a concerned citizen of ____________. [insert your country]
    I respectfully appeal to you for mercy in the case involving Miss Schapelle Leigh Corby, an Australian who was arrested in 2004 and sentenced to 20 years for drug related offences.
    I personally believe that drug trafficking is wrong and people who knowingly break the law deserve to be punished in accordance with the law. It is a well known fact that Indonesia, like many Asian countries, takes a tough stand on drug trafficking. I fully support authorities endeavouring to stop the flow of drugs that would otherwise destroy countless lives. I commend your government on its continued diligence in the war on drugs.

    Whilst Schapelle Corby continues to maintain her innocence in the matter, it does not alter the fact that the Indonesian court found her guilty and sentenced her accordingly. Whilst I hold strong personal views about the social justice aspects of this case, I do not wish to debate such contentious issues herein. Instead, I would humbly seek to call for mercy and compassion in respect to the very real emotional suffering that Ms. Corby obviously exhibits. As you are aware, Schapelle was crushed emotionally by the loss of her father, Michael Corby Snr, her Step-father Greg Martin and prior to this, her beloved Grandmother. These tragic events significantly impacted on her mental state, and cause me to be highly concerned for her continued general health and well being. I do fully appreciate that the Indonesian Authorities are doing their utmost to ensure she is afforded the best possible medical care and treatment. For that we are all very grateful. But I hold grave concerns that Schapelle will not survive her sentence.

    Schapelle Corby has no prior convictions and up until her arrest, appeared to lead a very normal life, absent of any criminal activity or association. I believe that the years she has spent in Kerobokan Prison have been turbulent because of the unprecedented media attention that her case created.

    I also strongly believe that Schapelle Corby is no threat to anyone and her transfer would not in any way undermine Indonesia's position or reputation.
    The Corby Case, as it is now known throughout the world, has resulted in significant negative publicity for Bali and as a result, many Balinese people have suffered through economic loss. With the continued media remaining focused on Schapelle Corby, it is expected that many International travelers will only boycott Bali as their preferred tourist destination.
    It is my sincere hope that this appeal for mercy will be considered in the hope that a young woman, Schapelle Corby, might return to her beloved homeland, where she can benefit from the support of family, friends and those who are willing to assist with her reintegration into society; and that the Bali people can once again enjoy a flourishing economy brought about by a renewed tourism industry that is no longer overshadowed by so much negativity, as a result of this particular case.
    Yours truly,
    [Insert name]
    [address]

    CC:

    Minister of Foreign Affairs
    H.E. Dr Hassan Wirajuda

    Indonesian Attorney General
    The Honorable Hendarman Supandji

    Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights
    Andi Mattalata

    Supreme Court Chief Justice
    The Honorable Bagir Manan
    Supreme Court of Indonesia
Sample Letter from a US Supporter
The following is an example of a letter sent by an American Supporter. This is a rough guide only. Please remember to be polite and respectful when making your appeal to the Indonesian Government. Please refrain from using profanity or criticism. Angry and derrogatory letters will not be helpful to Schapelle Corby currently detained in one of their facilities.

Sample 2 - Open Letter to President of Indonesia

[insert date]

RE: Appeal by [insert your name] for Australian Schapelle Corby detained in Kerobokan Prison, Bali.

H.E. President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono President of Indonesia

Your Excellency,

    I write to you with the greatest respect as a concerned citizen of ____________.

    I respectfully appeal to you for mercy in the case involving Miss Schapelle Leigh Corby, who was sentenced to 20 years in Kerobokan Prison following her highly controversial marijuana arrest in 2004. I make this appeal to you both on humanitarian grounds, as well as on the grounds that mercy is warranted in this case because there remains considerable doubt as to whether Ms. Corby, who has maintained her innocence even in the face of extreme hardship, was aware of the presence of marijuana in her baggage.

    First, I ask you to consider the devastating effect this incarceration has had on Ms. Corby's physical and mental health. Please consider that this young woman is not a hardened criminal. Ms. Corby had a clean criminal record prior to her vacation to Bali in 2004, and of course had never been in jail. There is a strong likelihood this woman will not survive a staggering 20-year sentence, especially in a facility that houses violent, dangerous criminals. Schapelle Corby is a gentle woman in the prime of her life. After three long years of imprisonment, she has suffered malnutrition and severe depression. In addition, she was crushed by the loss of her father, Michael Corby, who died of cancer earlier this year. This woman has suffered immensely.

    Furthermore, there remains a strong reasonable doubt as to whether Ms. Corby knew anything about these drugs. I would also ask you to consider the strong possibility that Ms. Corby was used as a diversion by persons unknown whose intent was to move a much more valuable drug shipment through Bali. This is a common tactic used by traffickers in many other parts of the world. If the marijuana was planted in her luggage as a distraction, as many of us believe, it would be quite consistent with the facts of the case. This is a very distinct possibility, and is yet another reason why a pardon is warranted.

    The Corby Case initially impacted Bali and its economy by making many Australians, concerned about travelling through Denpasar airport, stay away from this long-time popular tourist destination. [If from North America] Now, Ms. Corby's trial and incarceration have sparked similar anxiety in North America, where we have just recently become aware of the matter. Many of my fellow Americans are now afraid to travel to the Republic of Indonesia. Releasing Ms. Corby would restore their confidence in the justice system of your country.

    [A personal statement that you respect Indonesia may be helpful here, followed by your final appeal for releasing Schapelle] I have always viewed Indonesia as a deeply spiritual, almost magical place, with its beautiful and healthful cuisine, its ancient traditions of dance, art and culture, and its reputation for courtesy and compassion. Just as your judicial system has shown that it can stand firm, I ask you respectfully to show the world the other side of Indonesia, to show that you can also demonstrate compassion and mercy when that is warranted. The case of Schapelle Corby clearly warrants such consideration. Ms. Corby is a kind and compassionate woman, a loving sister and daughter, and a long-time friend to the people of Indonesia. She is no danger to anyone, and it would be a truly magnificent act of courage and compassion for you to allow this woman to return to her loved ones.

    'Terima kasih'

    Yours truly,
    [Insert name]
    [address]
    CC:

    Minister of Foreign Affairs
    H.E. Dr Hassan Wirajuda

    Indonesian Attorney General
    The Honorable Hendarman Supandji

    Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights
    Andi Mattalata

    Supreme Court Chief Justice
    The Honorable Bagir Manan
    Supreme Court of Indonesia