The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is advocating for the repeal of the non-parole period law for convicted inmates as a solution to the pressing issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities. FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa presented this proposal to members of the Ministry of Justice from Japan and Fiji at an event in Suva.
FCS Assistant Commissioner Auta Moceisuva highlighted that the Korovou facility is currently housing 278 inmates, exceeding its capacity by 78, given that it is designed to accommodate only 200. Moceisuva also pointed out the challenges faced with aging inmates who are unable to work due to health issues, emphasizing the need for adequate medical care, which the facility is not equipped to provide.
He argued that eliminating the non-parole period would significantly ease the burden on the facility, where currently 980 inmates across all FCS locations are serving sentences that include non-parole periods. However, Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva disagreed, stating that the non-parole period reflects the court’s serious considerations regarding offenses.
Tikoisuva noted that statistics on sexual offenses are lower in FCS reports than in DPP data due to ongoing legal battles, calling for greater public awareness of the situation. According to the Correction Service Act 2006, inmates with a non-parole period must serve their full sentence, restricting the ability to grant remission.
Commissioner Nakarawa explained that while he has the authority to grant one-third remission, the non-parole period obstructs this process, thus limiting the potential for inmate releases if that legislation were repealed.