Bali 9: The Untold Story (28 page)

When Scott Rush turned twenty-one in December 2006 the jail allowed a special family birthday party. In a room provided by jail authorities, his parents, brothers,
family members and friends celebrated with Rush and several other Bali Nine members. There was food, a cake, candles and even party hats. ‘I have got a lot of faith in my religion and God so yes, I am very positive about it,’ he said of his then upcoming appeal. But the next year, when Matthew Norman turned twenty-one, there was no repeat party. His birthday fell on a Monday—a non-visit day. The only celebration was a low-key affair the next day in the visiting area with his mum and sister. (The visiting area is another part of the jail that has been transformed. The stagnant pond of green water is gone, replaced by a tiled floor and a sunshade. After each session the area is now cleaned and disinfected.)

Over in the women’s block, it has not always been cordial between the two famous Australians Schapelle Corby and Renae Lawrence. Contrary to public perception, they have never been good friends, and Corby’s bestselling book has only strained the relationship further. Renae was unhappy with parts of Corby’s tell-all memoir, claiming that chunks of it were untrue. So incensed was she after reading it that she tore a copy up in front of the former Gold Coast beautician. Now they tolerate each other, having discovered along with the men that prison life requires a certain amount of pragmatism. Renae, like Stephens, has found love behind bars; her girlfriend is a fellow prisoner. She now oversees cleaning and maintenance in the women’s block. And, proving that Australians stick together, two of Corby’s closest friends are Andrew Chan and Matthew Norman.

Police photos of Scott Rush (above) and Michael Czugaj (left) in the pool at the Hotel Aneka in Kuta on 16 April, still enjoying their holiday just one day before their arrest.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran under surveillance at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Martin Stephens photographed at the Customs office in Bali with heroin strapped to his torso.

Scott Rush at the Customs office as his secret cargo is revealed.

(L to R) Scott Rush, Michael Czugaj and Renae Lawrence in custody at Ngurah Rai airport—the first time they had met each other.

Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen (left on bed) and Si Yi Chen, sprung at the Melasti Beach Bungalows.

Nguyen, Sukumaran and Matthew Norman cover their faces to avoid being affected by the pepper that was placed on the heroin to deter sniffer dogs.

Mug shots of the Bali Nine (L to R):

TOP:
Renae Lawrence, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephens

MIDDLE:
Scott Rush, Andrew Chan, Myuran Sukumaran

BOTTOM:
Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen, Matthew Norman

Renae Lawrence, her hand bandaged after harming herself, in a paddy wagon.

Andrew Chan, the alleged ringleader, runs the gauntlet of press and police.