Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is now eligible to apply for early release from prison, following confirmation from Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). This announcement comes after the FCS declared that Mr. Bainimarama has been granted early release, which takes effect on Friday under Section 46 (3) of the Corrections Act.
Mr. Bainimarama was sentenced to 12 months in prison for perverting the course of justice, a term he began serving alongside former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in May. Having completed six months of his sentence, Bainimarama’s early release has prompted public inquiries regarding the reasons behind the decision.
Commissioner Nakarawa emphasized that this is part of a standard procedure for inmates, noting that Mr. Bainimarama submitted an application for early release, which was thoroughly considered by the appropriate board. He also refuted any claims that the decision was influenced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In a historical context, former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase also received early release in 2013 after serving seven months of a similar sentence. Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the early release of Bainimarama as a reflection of the legal system’s functioning, asserting that he did not request it and that such releases are a normal part of the justice process.
The FCS stated that the decision followed a meticulous review of Bainimarama’s application within the legal framework that governs early release and supervised reintegration. The agency highlighted that the release was conditional on meeting community safety standards and promoting the inmate’s reintegration into society. Moving forward, the FCS is committed to monitoring Bainimarama’s reintegration to ensure compliance with the conditions of his release.
This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration in the justice system, reflecting a commitment to fostering a safer community while upholding the principles of law.
In summary, Voreqe Bainimarama’s early release is part of a regulated process within Fiji’s correctional system that emphasizes rehabilitation and monitoring, ensuring the safety of the community as well as the reintegration of former inmates. It illustrates that justice systems can work towards both accountability and second chances.
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