Schapelle Corby attempts suicide after threat to revoke parole

Schapelle Corby's sister has given an exclusive interview to Australia's Seven Network. Photo / YouTube

An Indonesian official said that paroled Australian drug convict Schapelle Corby tried to kill herself when he informed her that the government might send her back to prison.

Sunar Agus, head of the Bali Correctional Division, said Corby appeared unstable and tried to hurt herself when he met with her Monday night.

Corby, 35, was released on parole last month after spending nine years in a Bali prison on charges of smuggling 4.2 kilograms of marijuana into Indonesia in 2005.

Indonesian Justice Minister Amir Syamsuddin said that the government is evaluating whether Corby's parole terms were violated by an interview her sister Mercedes gave to an Australian television network.

Indonesian authorities had warned Corby that any interview by her could breach her parole conditions, which stipulate she must not cause unrest. She must remain in Indonesia until 2017 and can be returned to prison to complete her sentence during that time.

"There was an interview, even though of her family instead of Corby herself," Syamsuddin said. "Therefore we are trying to evaluate the degree to which the incident violated the requirements of the parole."

Agus said he visited Corby to check on her and inform her that her parole might be revoked because of her sister's interview with Australian Channel Seven.

"I felt our communication was not smooth and her body language indicated she was unstable," Agus said. He said Corby ran twice to the kitchen to hurt herself, but was stopped by her sister and prison officials.

"She does not want to return to prison," Agus said.

Corby's case drew intense interest in Australia, whose media were focused on Indonesia following the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings and an attack on its embassy in Jakarta in 2004.

Many people questioned the fairness of the trial and the length of her sentence compared to the jail terms received by some of those convicted in the Bali bombings.

At least two other Australians are on death row in Indonesian in drug smuggling cases, and several are serving long prison terms.

Where to get help

• Lifeline: 0800 543 534

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (noon to midnight)

• The Word

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (24-hour service)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• CASPER Suicide Prevention

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

-AP