‘Bainimarama’s Early Release Justified’
Questions were raised by the public on the reasons of Mr Bainimarama early release.
Sunday 10 November 2024 | 09:56
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is eligible to apply for early release just like other inmates.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa clarified this following the announcement that the former Prime Minister has been granted early release, effective on Friday, under Section 46 (3) of the Corrections Act.
Mr Bainimarama was jailed in May, alongside former Police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, for perverting the course of justice.
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He has served six months of his 12 months sentence.
Questions were raised by the public on the reasons of Mr Bainimarama early release.
“That is a normal process for serving inmates,” Mr Nakarawa said.
“Inmates do apply for early release and in this case Mr Bainimarama did,” he said.
“The board considered it and that has happened.”
He also denounced speculations that it was a request by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was also released from prison early after serving seven months of his 12 months sentence in 2013.
Mr Rabuka told this masthead that the early release was ‘the law in action’.
“I mean that’s a normal thing to happen. It is part of the processes of the law.
“No, I did not request for this early release. Last week I had hoped they were going to be part of the reconciliation, but I did not request for the early release.
“That is a normal process.”
A statement from FCS said the decision came after a detailed review of Mr Bainimarama’s application was conducted according to the legal framework governing early release and supervised reintegration for inmates.
Under Section 46 (3) of the Corrections Act, early release is permitted based on specific criteria that prioritise community safety while supporting the inmate’s reintegration into society.
The FCS confirmed that all requirements, including eligibility standards, release conditions and supervisory measures were carefully reviewed and met in alignment with established regulations.
The FCS will continue monitoring Mr Bainimarama’s reintegration process to ensure full adherence to the conditions set for his release.
This decision underscores the FCS’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration as outlined in the Corrections Act, the statement by FCS said.
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