Overcrowding Issue in Labasa Corrections Facility
“I think we have to work together, from our Police prosecutions to our sitting judges to do this,” Mr Turaga said.
Tuesday 29 August 2023 | 18:03
Fiji Corrections Service senior officers outside the Labasa Corrections facility on August 25, 2023. Photo: Jone Salusalu
Handing over lenient charges for trivial cases could address the long-term problem of overcrowding in corrections facilities, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said.
In his first ministerial visit last week, Mr Turaga highlighted the overcrowding issue at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) facility in Labasa.
Discussion is underway with his judicial team for options on non-custodial sentences for first offenders and petty crimes.
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“I think we have to work together, from our Police prosecutions to our sitting judges to do this,” Mr Turaga said.
“The structures in Labasa and other remand centres are not conducive to the level of care the FCS is mandated to carry out.
Challenges
“The challenges are in overcrowding which is a structural issue and needs to be addressed immediately.”
Despite this, FCS personnel still prioritise the welfare and cleanliness of the facility, Mr Turaga said.
“I commend the work carried out by the men and women of the FCS who have carried out their work diligently and resiliently over the years.”
Fiji Corrections Service (FCS)
In addressing this systematic issue, FCS has a number of approaches in place to act as a remedy for now.
Acting FCS Commissioner Salote Panapasa has utilised early release schemes available, allocation of long-termers to classified prisons in Naboro and Nasinu.
Ms Panapasa is grateful that the courts have used front-end diversion to place short and new termers in the community via non-custodial sentence.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
