Six inmates serving life sentences have been granted Presidential Pardons and released last week after serving between 15 to 20 years behind bars.
The men were personally escorted home by officers of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and reunited with their families.
Those pardoned are Arneel Chandar Goundar of Navo, Nadim Pauliasi Delaibatiki from Arts Village, Deuba, Tiko Uate of Dratabu, Nadi, Tafizul Rahman from Drasa, Lautoka, Francis Narayan of Westfield, Nadi and Timoci Ravurabota from Nailega, Namalata, Tailevu
In his farewell briefing to the released men, Acting Commissioner of Corrections Mr. Sevuloni Naucukidi congratulated them for reaching this milestone but reminded them of the new responsibilities that come with freedom.
“We thank you for serving your sentences diligently and for helping contribute to the success of the programs you were all a part of — as work leaders in the tailor shop, as gang leaders in the farms, and as artists at the gallery,” Mr. Naucukidi said.
He also issued a firm warning about the realities awaiting them beyond prison walls.
“Let me warn you that the world out there is different from the one you left years ago. Go be with your families and stay away from the things that brought you here to us.”
The six men were recommended for pardon by their commanding officers after being deemed model prisoners.
They actively participated in rehabilitation programs and were praised for their discipline and leadership roles during their incarceration.
The Presidential Pardon was granted on the advice of the Mercy Commission, which considers the length of sentence served, circumstances of the original offence, and the inmate’s conduct while in custody.
