Mercedes slams 'completely wrong' reports
Mercedes Corby has hit back at Queensland Premier Campbell Newman’s concerns that convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby may benefit from criminal activity.
In a video distributed to television networks in Australia and Indonesia today, Mercedes said reports detailing payments to her sister were "completely wrong".
Schapelle, 36, was released on parole from Kerobokan jail on Monday after serving nine years for smuggling 4.2kg of marijuana into Bali.
There have been unconfirmed reports that Schapelle, who has been staying at a luxurious resort in Seminyak, has secured a deal with the Seven Network valued between $1.5 million and $3 million.
Mercedes denied the rumours on Tuesday and in the video released today.
Seven News reported that Mercedes had written the video statement with her lawyer.
"Recent media reports about payments to Schapelle for an interview are completely wrong," she said.
"The sums being reported are ridiculous.
"When Schapelle is ready to speak, the parole officers will be informed."
Mercedes also slammed Mr Newman’s request for advice on whether Queensland could confiscate Schapelle’s earnings from selling her story under the State’s proceeds of crime laws.
"I am deeply concerned, in fact I am dismayed, that a convicted drug criminal has benefited it appears from her criminal activity," Mr Newman said.
Mercedes accused the Queensland Government of funding a film about her sister.
"Despite his comments, Queensland Premier Newman was so interested in this story that his government gave $567,000 for the production of a film for the Nine Network called Schapelle," Mercedes said.
"This film was biased and inaccurate.
"It was based on a book where the major source was a convicted criminal."
