The Minister for Justice has praised the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) for its “effective and professional” response to a week-long hunger strike staged by inmates at the Maximum-Security Correctional Centre in Naboro.
The protest, which began on August 13, involved 27 prisoners who refused meals in what authorities described as a coordinated demonstration.
It ended yesterday after key ringleaders resumed eating, prompting the rest of the inmates to follow suit.
“The Fiji Corrections Service has shown discipline and professionalism in managing this challenging incident. Their approach demonstrates a balance between firmness in upholding rules and respect for the dignity and welfare of offenders,” said Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga.
He noted that institutional security had been maintained throughout the incident, while inmate welfare was continuously monitored.
The peaceful resolution, the Minister said, was made possible through firm but calm leadership, ongoing counselling, and engagement with community partners.
“This incident also reinforces the importance of close engagement with the vanua, churches, and families as critical partners in the holistic rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.”
“We remain committed to safeguarding human rights while ensuring that our correctional institutions operate with integrity and care.”