Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is eligible for early release from his sentence, just like any other inmate, according to Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa. This clarification comes after Bainimarama was approved for early release, which is effective Friday, under Section 46 (3) of the Corrections Act.
Bainimarama, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison in May for perverting the course of justice, has now served six months of his sentence. The public has expressed concerns regarding the reasons for his early release. Commissioner Nakarawa mentioned that requesting early release is a common practice among serving inmates, and in this instance, Bainimarama followed the same process.
He also addressed rumors suggesting that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had influenced the decision, stating, “That is a normal process for serving inmates.” Rabuka echoed this sentiment, stating that the early release was simply “the law in action” and emphasized that he did not request it.
The decision to approve Bainimarama’s release came after the board conducted a thorough review of his application, considering the legal framework that governs early release and the conditions necessary for successful reintegration into society. All requirements, including eligibility standards and conditions for release, were carefully assessed to align with the established regulations.
The Fiji Corrections Service confirmed it would continue to monitor Bainimarama’s reintegration to ensure compliance with the conditions set for his release. This sequence of events highlights the FCS’s ongoing commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration as outlined in the Corrections Act.
In a broader context, this decision reflects an ongoing commitment to reintegration of inmates into society within the framework of the law, emphasizing processes designed to balance accountability with the potential for rehabilitation and productive community involvement.
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