The Fiji Court of Appeal has determined that the High Court made a mistake in establishing a non-parole period in a rape case. Setoki Bari was sentenced on April 6, 2023, to seven years, six months, and six days in prison, with a non-parole period of seven years.
Bari appealed the decision, arguing that the non-parole period being so close to the main sentence hindered his chances for rehabilitation. Justice Isikeli Mataitoga stated in his ruling on August 2 that this situation undermines the fundamental goals of sentencing. He deemed the imposition of the non-parole period as incorrect in principle and expressed that the Court of Appeal should have the opportunity to correct this error. Justice Mataitoga concluded that the non-parole period set in this case was made in violation of relevant legal principles.