Handover of former inmates to their families is a key part of the Yellow Ribbon Program

The Ministry of Justice says the handover of former inmates to their families is a key part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, which focuses on rehabilitation, reintegration, and reducing reoffending.

This follows concerns raised online and in the media about the manner in which former Fiji 7s player, Amenoni Nasilasila, was returned to his family by Fiji Corrections Service officers.

The Ministry and the Fiji Corrections Service clarify that the handover process is conducted in line with Part 12, Section 50 of the Corrections Act 2006, which allows the Commissioner to provide post-release support services to discharged prisoners.

They say this includes the formal handover of former inmates to their families, a process carried out for the majority of inmates to ensure they are supported in their transition back to family life and the wider community.

They add that families may have their own traditions or customs for receiving their family members, which may or may not involve the wider community, and the Corrections Service does not control those arrangements.

The Ministry of Justice says it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and following due process.

Meanwhile, Nasilasila was officially discharged from the Corrections Service last Wednesday and was escorted by officers from the Minimum Corrections Centre in Naboro to his home in Namatakula Village in Sigatoka. Videos were being circulated on social media where the villagers held a big feast to mark his return.