(Left): Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa. (Right): Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka
No prior formal request was done to release former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and convicted former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho to attend the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Reconciliation and Restoration programme last Saturday.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed yesterday that he was not notified of any request for release.
Speaking during the reconciliation programme last Saturday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he had requested the release of the duo to allow them be part of the event.
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The RFMF and families of those affected by the November 2, 2000 mutiny participated in a solemn ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua, Suva.
Also present was former RFMF Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) Unit member Shane Stevens, who was the front man for the mutiny at QEB.
“I acknowledge that I’m not in the programme to speak,” Mr Rabuka said.
“I seek your utmost forgiveness in everything that have happened, what George (Speight) did, what Admiral Bainimarama did,” he said.
“I beg that we be patient for a while because they, (Bainimarama) and Qiliho are also coming to be part of this service.”
This prompted Mr Rabuka’s protocol team into action.
But the duo did not turn up.
Mr Rabuka sought forgiveness from families and all the ranks within RFMF, further revealing that he had requested for Mr Bainimarama and Qiliho
to be also present at the event.
No request for attendance
“I was not notified of any release,” Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Mr Nakarawa said yesterday.
“There needs to be ample time given to us, a formal notification but as far as that case is concerned, I was not aware of any request.
“They called me after he (Mr Rabuka) said that. I said no, I have not received any formal request.”
Law
Under the Corrections Service Act 2006, short-term release is the prerogative of the Commissioner of Corrections.
Provision may be made by regulation for schemes of short term release, including:
- “(b) Release from prison to attend a course of instruction
- (c) Release into the care and supervision of traditional chiefs or other community leaders for the purpose of facilitating the re-entry of the prisoners
- (d) Any other arrangement permitting short term release which may assist in the rehabilitation of a prisoner to his or her family.
“(2) Commissioner Orders may make further provision in relation to any scheme approved under sub-section (1) that is not inconsistent with the relevant regulations.”
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