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Corby vs Seven: Round 4

The Seven Network is reportedly trying to shut down Mercedes Corby (pictured, left) and her defamation action against them by making her prove that she can pay their enormous legal costs of defending the action if she loses.

The Daily Telegraph says the network wants Corby, sister of convicted Bali drug smuggler Schapelle, to prove she could afford the $800,000 costs for its legal team – led by former federal attorney-general Tom Hughes QC if she loses.

The move, widely recognised as a tactic of intimidation, could result in the withdrawal of the action against the network’s current affair’s flagship, Today Tonight.

Ms Corby claims she was defamed during three Today Tonight programs in February last year, and one associated news story.

She alleges Jodie Power (pictured, right), her one-time friend, made defamatory allegations in the paid interview and is seeking damages, with interest.

Ms Corby and her mother Rosleigh Rose, who has mounted a separate action, claim their reputation and occupation were injured and brought into contempt.

A jury hearing of the defamation case is set down for April, but the network will seek a security for costs order on March 20.

Ms Corby’s solicitor Bill Kalantzis said he would be “opposing the application” on behalf of his Bali-based client.

However, it is understood the network will claim that, because Ms Corby lives overseas, she cannot be forced to pay their costs.

Meanwhile, this week the Nine Network revisited the Corby case with claims on A Current Affair Schapelle had been sighted by an Australian tourist dining in a restaurant while she was supposedly behind bars. It was an unusual move by the network, which has frequently enjoyed access to the Corby camp after Seven sided with Jodie Power.

The photographs as shown on air by Nine were dismissed by Schapelle’s mother.

Source: Daily Telegraph

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