Tribunal opens hearings into suspended Corrections Commissioner

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) will face a critical test of leadership and accountability when the tribunal prepares to open its session today to hear the case of suspended Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa.

The tribunal adjourned yesterday to finalise witness lists and procedural matters.

Both sides outlined plans to call witnesses linked to allegations of nepotism, conflict of interest, and governance failures within the institution.

Mr Nakarawa’s defence signaled its intention to seek permission to cross-examine the Minister for Justice, arguing that political considerations may have influenced the decision to refer his case to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC).

The defence will file a formal application to that effect.

Tribunal chair Justice Daniel Goundar, sitting with Justices Savenaca Banuve and Dane Tuiqereqere, clarified that no finding of misbehaviour had been made, noting that the proceedings remained in the fact-finding stage.

Counsel assisting the tribunal confirmed that 12 witnesses would give evidence supporting the allegations.

The defence, meanwhile, plans to summon additional witnesses to shed light on events leading up to Mr Nakarawa’s suspension.

He was appointed Commissioner in May 2023 and suspended in March this year, pending investigation into complaints received by the COC.

His removal from office has left the institution under interim leadership. The Fiji Corrections Service is already under public scrutiny over operational standards and staff morale.

The tribunal’s findings will carry significant implications for the FCS, shaping both its leadership stability and public trust in its internal governance.

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