Concerns have been raised online and in the media about the manner in which former Fiji 7s player, Eminoni Nasilasila was returned to his family by Fiji Corrections Service officers recently.
The Ministry of Justice and the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) wish to clarify that this process is conducted in accordance with the Corrections Act 2006, Part 12, Section 50, which states that “Commissioner's Orders may make provision for the Corrections Service to undertake appropriate activities and provide support services in relation to prisoners who have been discharged."
This provision guides the Fiji Corrections Service in providing post-release support to former inmates, including the formal handover to their families. The handover of former inmates to their families is an integral part of the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP), which focuses on rehabilitation, reintegration, and reducing reoffending.
This process is carried out for the majority of inmates upon their release, to ensure they are supported in their transition back into family life and the wider community.
Families receiving their family members may choose to have their own process, traditions and customs, which may or may not involve their wider community. FCS does not have any control over those processes.
The Ministry of Justice remains committed to upholding the rule of law and following due process.