The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is advocating for the repeal of the non-parole period law for convicted prisoners as a solution to the growing overcrowding in correctional facilities. FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa made this appeal during a presentation to Japanese Ministry of Justice officials and their Fijian counterparts at the FCS coffee shop in Korovou, Suva.
During the discussion, FCS Assistant Commissioner for Planning, Policy, Training, and Strategy Auta Moceisuva highlighted that the number of inmates at the Korovou facility has exceeded its intended capacity, with 278 prisoners currently housed there, which is 78 over its official limit of 200.
Moceisuva noted that some inmates over the age of 60 are unable to work due to health issues, emphasizing that while treatment must be provided, the facility lacks the necessary medical expertise for those with serious conditions. He argued that eliminating the non-parole period would help alleviate the overcrowding situation.
Currently, there are 980 inmates across FCS facilities serving non-parole periods. However, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva opposed the proposal, arguing that non-parole periods reflect the courts’ serious concern regarding offenses. She stated that simply removing the non-parole period would not resolve the underlying challenges and urged FCS to enhance community awareness of the issues related to corrections.
According to Section 27 (4) of the Correction Service Act 2006, inmates with non-parole periods are required to serve their full sentences, a condition that Nakarawa explained has hindered the ability to grant remission. He stated that the current law prevents the release of many prisoners, and repealing the non-parole period would enable the system to manage inmate releases more effectively.