The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is advocating for the repeal of laws regarding non-parole periods for convicted prisoners in an effort to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities. FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa made this appeal during a presentation to Japan’s Ministry of Justice and members of Fiji’s Ministry of Justice at the FCS coffee shop in Korovou, Suva.
During the presentation, FCS Assistant Commissioner for Planning Policy, Training, and Strategy, Auta Moceisuva, highlighted that the number of prisoners at the Korovou facility has exceeded its approved capacity. The facility currently houses 278 inmates, which is 78 more than its intended capacity of 200.
Moceisuva noted that there are prisoners over the age of 60 who are unable to work and require medical assistance, emphasizing the need for better care for those with serious health issues. He argued that eliminating the non-parole period would help reduce the strain on the correctional system.
Currently, there are 980 prisoners across FCS facilities who are subject to non-parole periods. However, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva disagreed with the proposal, stating that the non-parole period reflects the courts’ genuine concerns regarding the crimes committed. She suggested that removing this period would not resolve the underlying issues and called for increased community awareness on the matter.
According to Section 27 (4) of the Correction Service Act 2006, prisoners assigned a non-parole period must serve their entire sentence, which restricts the Commissioner from granting remission. Nakarawa noted that this law prevents the release of many prisoners who could otherwise be eligible for remission if the non-parole period were repealed.