Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar says she continues to stand by the statement where she strongly condemned the participation of convicted rapist Amenoni Nasilasila for the Wardens 7s team in the Super 7s Series.
Nasilasila had raped a 24-year-old woman in a settlement in Sigatoka on 22nd December 2018 and was sentenced to 8 years in prison in 2019.
Akbar says she made that statement as a woman and as the Minister for Women.
In her statement in February, Akbar had said that rape is a very serious crime and such privileges given to persons convicted of such a heinous crime is just not on.
The Minister for Women had also said it sends the wrong message to the community.
Akbar had also stated that the Ministry strongly condemns this and reiterates that any convicted person loses all benefits and freedom to participate till they have fully served their sentenced terms.
She had said in this case, Nasilasila is still a convicted person and still serving a sentence.
The Minister for Women had also called on the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service to immediately intervene and remove Nasilasila from any further involvement in rugby until he has completely served out his sentence.
There has been no response from the Fiji Corrections Service since Akbar released her statement in February this year.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made it clear in parliament that under orders stipulated in the Fiji Corrections Service Act, the Corrections Commissioner can allow prisoners to participate in sporting activities.
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