Hunger strike at Naboro: inmates protest food handling, diet, and alleged officer misconduct
Twenty-six inmates at the Naboro Maximum Correction Centre have been on a hunger strike since Wednesday, raising allegations that food meant for prisoners is being diverted by corrections officers. The protest has been shared on social media via an account attributed to inmate Tevita Qaqanivalu, whom the Fiji Corrections Service has described as an “outcast” of the facility.
A copy of the inmates’ petition, provided to The Fiji Times by a family member of one inmate, claims that prisoners assigned to kitchen duties are no longer allowed to begin work at 4.30am. The inmates allege that instead, kitchens are opened at 9am and meals are prepared by whoever is available, with accusations that officers are corrupting rations and acting without transparency. They also allege a routine where higher-ranking officers receive their meals while inmates go without, and accuse officers of bread theft from the prison, suggesting large-scale diversion of bread to outside networks.
The petition further contends that Section 2.10 of the Commissioner’s Local Orders, which directs prison industries to focus on growing food and raising livestock to supplement prisoners’ diets, is not being followed. The inmates say crops, livestock, eggs, and fresh vegetables grown for the facility are largely consumed by officers and sold to the public, with free delivery funded by taxpayers.
In response, the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) said the strike was initiated by five known “incorrigible offenders” who intermittently disregard the institution’s rules. As of the latest briefing, those five have been isolated to the segregation area, while two inmates who did not participate remain in their normal accommodation. The remaining 20 inmates are reportedly still on hunger strike and have been placed in wings under close supervision. FCS added that normal hunger-strike procedures were being followed and that investigations are ongoing to verify the inmates’ broader claims.
The Fiji Human Rights Commission confirmed to The Fiji Times that they visited Naboro after receiving a complaint and that investigations are continuing. Justice Minister Siromi Turaga said the ministry has a duty to verify the inmates’ grievances and cautioned that hunger strikes can be a tactic used by inmates to press for issues, though the ministry remains committed to a constructive, transparent review.
Context from the authorities and recent history suggests a pattern: when tensions flare over kitchen duties and food management, authorities have sought to address concerns through medical oversight, counseling, and engagement with spiritual leaders to provide guidance. Health care professionals and prison officials typically monitor hunger-striking inmates closely, ensuring their wellbeing while work proceeds through established channels. The Minister for Justice and the Human Rights Commission have been kept informed in prior cases, and the FCS emphasizes that safety and orderly processes remain paramount.
What this situation underscores is a broader call for reform in how confinement conditions and grievance channels are managed within the system. If the strike continues, officials may face pressure to revisit practices around inmate access to rehabilitation programs, responsiveness to complaints, and the transparency of food and supply management.
Summary: The Naboro hunger strike highlights ongoing disputes over food handling, kitchen duties, and resource management, with inmates demanding accountability and changes at higher levels of government. The situation is evolving, with health precautions in place and ongoing dialogue expected as investigations proceed.
A hopeful note: Past patterns show that medical oversight, counseling, and engagement with spiritual leaders can lay groundwork for constructive dialogue. If authorities respond with transparent investigations, credible reforms, and clear communication, there is potential for a peaceful resolution that improves living conditions while preserving prison safety and security.
Additional comment: Readers can expect updates as officials provide further information and as discussions with inmates or their representatives progress.
Leave a comment