The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is currently monitoring two inmates who have begun a hunger strike as of Friday. In a public statement, the FCS announced that they are working to involve spiritual leaders from different denominations to offer additional support to these inmates.
The statement revealed that both inmates had previously worked in the facility’s kitchen. Their removal from these duties followed an incident related to a dispute over food supply management, which prompted an internal investigation. The inmates have voiced their discontent regarding their removal, demanding to be reinstated, yet have continued their hunger strike after several counselling sessions with senior officers, healthcare providers, and support staff.
The FCS emphasized that the health and well-being of the inmates are of utmost importance, with medical personnel closely monitoring their condition and implementing necessary precautions during this time.
The Minister for Justice and the Human Rights Commission have been informed about the situation surrounding the hunger strike. FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa noted that the inmates notified their family members about their decision to initiate the hunger strike.
Mr. Nakarawa mentioned that the news of the hunger strike had reached social media before he was officially informed. He indicated that hunger strikes are not uncommon within correctional facilities.
As the hunger strike has progressed, the inmates have since expanded their list of demands, seeking meetings with higher authorities including the Attorney-General. Mr. Nakarawa instructed the officers to focus on the inmates’ care and reiterated that their requests would not be addressed until they ended the hunger strike, stating, “They need to eat first, then we can sit down and consider what is there.” For now, their primary protest remains related to their removal from kitchen duties.