Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2014/01/22/anonymous_brisbane_schapelle_corby_campaign/

Anonymous: Sign this petition or we'll … get mad about the media?

Anons' Brisbane chapter seeks support for convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby

By Simon Sharwood

Posted in Security, 22nd January 2014 22:38 GMT

Entities using the name and iconography often associated with hacktivist collective Anonymous and declaring themselves the Brisbane outpost of the non-organisation have taken a step in a new direction: winning support for convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby.

Corby was convicted of importing marijuana to Indonesia, but her case has long been contentious as she denies the charge and insists she did not place four kilograms of the drug in the pocket of a surfboard bag wherein it was found. While concerns have been raised about the conduct of Corby's trial, evidence offering an explanation for the presence of the drug in Corby's luggage has never emerged.

The case has since become something of a soap opera: Corby is never far from the pages of Australia's gossip mags, which have delighted in probing her life and that of her family.

That Corby was arrested and currently resides in Bali, a tourism destination favoured by young Australians who often feel altered states are as much a part of a visit to the island as sun and surf, has fuelled interest in the case.

Just why entities using Anonymous' name and iconography have an interest in Corby's case is anyone's guess.

In this typically pompous video and transcript, Anons allege a conspiracy to prevent the release of evidence that would prove Corby's innocence and challenge the mainstream media to debate the topic.

There's also a call to sign a petition, but no threat of Anonymous' regular disruptive tactics.

Anonymous Australia's Twitter account is silent on the matter. Vulture South is therefore happy to suggest that Anonymous Brisbane is fine example of the terminology we use to describe Anonymous: an entity using the name and iconography often associated with the hacktivist collective, rather than a group concerned with Anonymous' core aims. ®