The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has issued a clarification regarding the early release of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, in response to recent social media discussions. The FCS emphasized that Bainimarama’s release is in accordance with established legal procedures outlined in the Corrections Act, which apply uniformly to all inmates.
In a statement, the FCS explained that every prisoner’s sentence includes a standard one-third remission, as mandated by law. In Bainimarama’s instance, his one-year sentence was decreased by four months, setting his new release date for early January 2025. He, like any other inmate, exercised his right to request an early release, a process that was carried out through the standard protocols. He has been granted permission to serve the remainder of his sentence in the community, where he will be required to report daily to his workplace while under supervision from the FCS.
The statement also addressed public comparisons between Bainimarama’s case and those of other high-profile figures, such as the late Laisenia Qarase. The FCS pointed out that its management has evolved since those earlier cases and that current procedures are executed without political influence.
Emphasizing fairness, the FCS reaffirmed its commitment to treating all inmates, including Bainimarama, according to the law, noting that political history does not affect their legal responsibilities for impartiality in treatment.
The FCS urged the public to respect the legal process and to recognize that it operates strictly within Fiji’s laws, maintaining an unbiased system for every inmate.
Overall, this clarification aims to reassure the public of the integrity and fairness of the corrections system in Fiji. It highlights the commitment to legal standards and equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or previous positions, ultimately fostering trust in the judicial process.
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