Fiji minister assures thorough investigation of inmate abuse complaints

Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving inmates continue to surface within the Fiji Corrections Service, but Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga insists that every complaint is rigorously investigated.

Speaking on the government's budget allocation for the corrections service, Turaga acknowledged that inmate complaints are a recurring issue. He stated that the ministry is committed to ensuring these allegations are properly addressed through the established disciplinary machinery. "It happens at any given time. It’s always allegations. Our role is to ensure that those allegations are reported and investigated, and also timely remedial action to the officers," Turaga said.

“

Of course, there is a small issue here and there in terms of allegations of complaint by inmates. That I address within the machinery. It happens at any given time. It’s always allegations. Our role is to ensure that those allegations are reported and investigated, and also timely remedial action to the officers. And I have done that from time to time

The minister stressed that the same principles of accountability apply to all security personnel under the government's purview. He further emphasized that inmates must be treated with dignity, regardless of their sentences, and that Fiji has an obligation to meet internationally recognized standards for correctional facilities. Turaga candidly admitted that Fiji's prisons have not consistently met these standards, stating, "We’ve performed below the minimum standards. That’s something the Government has to address."

Addressing these shortcomings includes taking disciplinary action against correctional officers when investigations reveal misconduct. These comments come as the government has increased funding for the Fiji Corrections Service in the 2026–2027 National Budget, signaling continued efforts to improve conditions for both inmates and staff.

“

We’ve performed below the minimum standards. That’s something the Government has to address.