The Fiji Corrections Service has launched an in-depth investigation after discovering unauthorized phone usage by Bainimarama at the Nasinu Correction Center.
This action follows a High Court order that required the formulation of a medical plan for the prisoner, including the use of his mobile phone for his pacemaker app.
While Bainimarama was granted limited access to his phone for medical purposes, he is now under investigation for making private calls, which is a clear violation of prison regulations.
The FCS is committed to upholding the highest standards of security and order within its facilities, and any breach of these regulations is taken very seriously.
Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa emphasized that the safety and security of correction facilities are of paramount importance.
A comprehensive investigation is underway to understand how this breach occurred and to ensure it does not happen again. Dr. Nakarawa indicated that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against anyone found negligent or complicit in this matter.
The FCS is also reviewing its current policies and procedures to strengthen controls over the medical treatment of inmates, including the use of mobile phones in such cases.
This review includes reassessing protocols for granting special accommodations to prisoners with medical needs to ensure that these allowances do not compromise security.
The FCS acknowledges the need to balance the medical requirements of prisoners with the imperative to strictly adhere to prison regulations. The results of this investigation will guide future decisions on how best to manage this balance.
The Fiji Corrections Service is dedicated to the safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders, aiming to reintegrate them into society as law-abiding citizens.