Protocol breached, Bainimarama will be handcuffed in court appearances
The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has concluded its investigation into the incident involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s signing of documents while attending court on matters unrelated to his detention.
“Our findings indicate a failure to adhere to the procedural guidelines set forth for the handling of detainees during judicial proceedings,” said the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Jalesi Nakarawa.
As a consequence of these findings, disciplinary actions will be initiated against the officers responsible for escorting Bainimarama during his court appearance.
“Their failure to enforce the required protocols compromised the integrity of our operations and allowed the breach to occur.”
Furthermore, to prevent any future occurrences, strict measures have been mandated. “Effective immediately, Bainimarama will be handcuffed during all court appearances.”
This measure is intended to ensure compliance with security protocols and to maintain the decorum and integrity of the judicial process, Mr Nakarawa said.
“The Fiji Corrections Service is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and security. The breach that occurred during Bainimarama’s court session is unacceptable, and we are taking decisive action to address this lapse. We have a duty to the public to ensure that our protocols are rigorously followed and that all detainees are treated with fairness while maintaining strict security measures.
“The actions of our officers in this instance fell short of our expectations and our professional standards. We will take appropriate disciplinary steps to rectify this and prevent future breaches. The decision to handcuff Bainimarama during court appearances is a necessary step to ensure compliance and to uphold the integrity of our operations.”