Fiji’s Corrections Services (FCS) has denied any political bias in the release of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama last week, six months into his one-year prison term.
In a statement, the FCS stated that Bainimarama’s release last Friday, adhered to proper processes after the decision sparked debate, particularly with comparisons being drawn to previous high-profile cases, including that of former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
According to the FCS, Bainimarama had his one-year prison sentence reduced by four months under standard legal protocols, which apply to all prisoners in similar situations. The reduction, in line with the Corrections Act, means his original release date of May 2025 was brought forward to January 2025. In addition to the remission, Bainimarama also applied for early release, a request that was processed according to established procedures. The FCS confirmed that after a review, his application was approved, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence in the community.
“Comparisons between Mr. Bainimarama’s release and that of previous high-profile cases, such as Qarase, have emerged in public discourse,” the FCS stated. “It is important to note that FCS management has changed since those decisions, and current processes are conducted without political bias. Mr. Bainimarama, like all individuals in our custody, was convicted by the court and deserves to be treated in accordance with the law. His political history does not exempt or alter our legal obligations to provide impartial treatment to every inmate.”
The FCS reiterates that its duty is to uphold the rule of law and ensure fair treatment for all prisoners. As part of the conditions of his release, Bainimarama will be required to report daily to his place of employment, while the FCS monitors his compliance.
Bainimarama, who ruled Fiji for 16 years following a 2006 military coup, was sentenced in May alongside former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho for their roles in a University of the South Pacific-related case.
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