Australian govt helping Bali drugs jail woman

“We obviously feel sorry for Schapelle Corby and her family at this very difficult time,” Downer said.

“The government is going to begin discussions formally with the Indonesians in the next 10 days about the prisoner transfer agreement,” Downer told reporters.

He also revealed that Canberra already has paid money to help fund Corby’s defence, but declined to reveal how much the government has paid. The two lawyers offered their services for free, Downer said. It was not immediately clear if Corby’s defence team would take up the offer.

Downer was speaking shortly after a court in Bali convicted Corby of importing nine pounds of marijuana onto the island last year.

The 27-year-old’s defence lawyers claimed the drugs must have been put into her surfboard bag by airport baggage handlers in Australia.

The case in Bali against Corby, a 27-year-old student beautician, has generated unprecedented levels of interest in Australia.

At The Occidental Hotel in downtown Sydney, lunchtime drinkers crowded around a large screen television watching the Bali court’s judges read their verdict.

As Corby was sentenced to 20 years, drinkers began chewing over the case along with their lunches.

“I think it’s disgusting,” said Abbie Francis, a native of England who has lived in Sydney for three years. “I think she is innocent. I think there is far too much doubt to have ever convicted her.”

But bartender Grant Moxley was less sympathetic.

“I think if she goes to that country and knows the consequences (of drug smuggling), it’s her fault,” he said. “If you go to their country, you play by their rules.”

The case also has sparked anger against Indonesians in Australia. Downer said staff at Indonesia's embassy in Canberra have received phone threats as have staff at Jakarta’s consulate in the western city of Perth.

A recent television poll showed 92% of Australians believe Corby is innocent.