Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, currently serving a one-year sentence at the Nasinu Corrections Centre, is under investigation for allegedly using a phone without authorization. The investigation seeks to uncover the specifics of this unauthorized phone use.
Bainimarama was convicted for attempting to pervert the course of justice and given limited phone access for medical reasons. However, it is alleged he used the phone for private calls, violating prison rules.
Corrections Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of security and order within correctional facilities. He stated that any breach of these regulations is taken seriously and that a thorough investigation is underway to understand how this occurred.
“The safety and security of our facilities are crucial. We are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine how this breach happened,” said Nakarawa. “Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any individuals found negligent or complicit in this matter.”
The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is now reviewing its policies and procedures to strengthen controls over the medical treatment of inmates, including the use of mobile phones. This review aims to reassess the protocols for granting special accommodations to prisoners with medical needs to ensure security is not compromised.
“The court order regarding Bainimarama may need to be revised to ensure his medical needs are met without compromising security,” said Nakarawa. The FCS aims to balance the medical requirements of prisoners with the necessity of adhering to strict prison regulations, and the findings from this investigation will guide future decisions in managing this balance.