The Fiji Corrections Service has clarified that inmates can be released early through remission and parole. This announcement aims to address confusion regarding early releases from rehabilitation centers.
Remission refers to the reduction of an inmate’s sentence due to good behavior. Under the Corrections Service Act 2006, the Commissioner of Corrections has the authority to cut a prisoner’s sentence by one-third if they have demonstrated good behavior.
Parole, on the other hand, allows for an inmate’s early release before completing their full sentence. However, parolees must regularly report to a supervising officer and continue to behave appropriately. The decision to grant parole is made by the Parole Board, which was established by the Corrections Service Act 2006.
The Fiji Corrections Service noted that there has been confusion about how remission and parole interact. The Supreme Court has clarified that, according to Section 27(4) of the Corrections Service Act 2006, inmates must serve the full non-parole period set by the court. This non-parole period limits the Parole Board’s ability to release inmates early but does not affect the Commissioner’s power to grant remission.
The Supreme Court emphasized that the non-parole period restricts the Parole Board but does not interfere with the Commissioner’s authority to shorten sentences through remission. To eliminate this confusion, it has been recommended that Section 27(4) of the Corrections Service Act 2006 be removed. This change is expected to make the rules regarding remission and parole clearer and easier to understand.
The Fiji Corrections Service reiterated that removing Section 27(4) will enhance fairness and transparency in the correctional system, benefiting both inmates and the system as a whole.