The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is advocating for the repeal of the non-parole period law for convicted prisoners in an effort to combat overcrowding in correctional facilities. FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa presented this proposal during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Justice of Japan and the Ministry of Justice in Fiji 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 approved capacity of the Koravou facility has been exceeded due to the rising number of incoming prisoners. Currently, the facility is housing 278 inmates, which is an excess of 78 beyond its capacity of 200.
Mr. Moceisuva noted that some prisoners, particularly those over 60 years old, are unable to engage in activities due to medical issues, pointing out the need for better healthcare but acknowledging a lack of expertise within the facility to manage serious medical conditions.
He emphasized that removing the non-parole period would alleviate the pressures faced at FCS facilities. Presently, there are 980 prisoners across FCS facilities serving non-parole periods.
However, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva disagreed with the proposal, asserting that the non-parole period is an essential judicial consideration. She stated, “I don’t think removing the NPP is going to solve the issue,” and highlighted that statistics from FCS on sexual offenses differ from those maintained by her office.
Tikoisuva called for the FCS to increase public awareness regarding these matters. According to Section 27 (4) of the Correction Service Act 2006, prisoners with non-parole periods must complete their entire sentences, which limits the ability of the Commissioner to grant remission.
Mr. Nakarawa expressed that the law restricting remission due to non-parole periods hampers their ability to release inmates. He argued that if the non-parole law is repealed, they could potentially offer early release to deserving prisoners.