Prison Overcrowding a Concern

Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga is aware of the long-term overcrowding issue at the remand centres of Fiji Corrections Service (FCS).

Mr Turaga said this was an issue they had no control over including the Labasa Corrections Centre at Vaturekuka in Labasa.

He said it was because the orders for remands were given by the Court. Apart from overcrowding, inmates’ rights were compromised at the Labasa facility such as lack of mattresses, pillow and blankets for inmates.

Where there are supposed to be four inmates sleeping in a block, there are 10, even during this cold season.

This was revealed by lawyers when representing their clients in court in Labasa.

Mr Turaga is not aware that there is not enough bedding in the facility.

“Overcrowding of remand centre is an issue we have no control because the orders for remands are made by the court, but wherever feasible, there are resources that can move people around,” Mr Turaga said.

During his visit to the Labasa facility in 2023, Mr Turaga said the current structures and other remand centres were not conducive to the level of care the FCS were mandated to carry out.

He said the challenges were in the areas of overcrowding, which was a structural issue and needed to be addressed immediately.

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