The Fiji Corrections Service is actively monitoring two inmates who began a hunger strike on Friday. In a statement released, the service indicated that discussions are taking place with spiritual leaders from various groups to offer guidance and support to the inmates involved.
According to the statement, these inmates were previously assigned to the facility’s kitchen. Their removal from kitchen duties followed a dispute regarding food supplies, prompting an internal investigation. The inmates are reportedly unhappy with this decision and have requested to be reinstated, despite ongoing counseling from senior officers, healthcare professionals, and support staff.
The Fiji Corrections Service emphasized that the health and welfare of these inmates remain their primary concern. Medical staff are closely observing the situation, with all necessary precautions being implemented to protect the inmates’ wellbeing during the hunger strike.
The Minister for Justice and the Human Rights Commission have been informed about the hunger strike’s developments. FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa mentioned that family members of the inmates had preemptively communicated their intentions to initiate the strike.
Before being informed directly about the hunger strike, Commissioner Nakarawa noted that it had already surfaced on social media, having been disclosed by the inmates’ families. He acknowledged that such events are common within the corrections system.
Nakarawa pointed out that the inmates had begun to expand their demands while on the strike, indicating a wish to meet with him and the Attorney-General among other requests. He advised the attending officers to prioritize the inmates’ care, stating that their requests would only be considered once they agree to eat, as decisions cannot be made under duress. Currently, the primary issue documented is their protest against being removed from kitchen duties.