The University of Fiji has criticized the Criminal Records Bill, dubbing it the “Alice in Wonderland” bill due to its lack of clarity and an overwhelming focus on offenders’ rights at the expense of victims. Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem expressed her concerns during a session with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, held at the Vishnu Deo Memorial Hall in Saweni.
Professor Shameem described her experience reading the Bill as akin to “falling down a rabbit hole with no hope of coming up again,” indicating a profound sense of confusion regarding its provisions. She identified significant drafting flaws, emphasizing that the proposed legislation prioritizes the rights of offenders over those they have harmed.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the principle behind the Bill, which posits that convicted criminals should be “respected and seen as valued members of the community,” undermines the essential need for these individuals to take responsibility for their actions and the consequent harm inflicted on society and individuals.
Further concerns were raised regarding the treatment of victim statements in applications for spent convictions, which Professor Shameem noted are only discretionary. She argued that this further leans the Bill towards favoring offenders, diminishing the voices and rights of victims.
The University has issued a stark warning that if the Bill is enacted in its current form, it could establish a perilous precedent that threatens the safety and security of Fiji’s populace. As the debate continues, there remains hope for amendments that could address these critical concerns while ensuring a balanced approach to justice that protects both offenders and victims alike.
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