There are revelations that more than 20 prisoners engaged in a hunger strike are accommodated in the wings for reorientation purposes and assessment of their behaviour.
The Fiji Corrections Service says they received information that a complaint was released by prisoner Tevita Qaqanivalu on social media before the actual incident of the hunger strike on the 13th of last month.
They say in a show of discontent, prisoner Tevita Qaqanivalu refused to undergo counselling and has been an outcast of the same correctional centre in Naboro.
They also say the hunger strike was instigated by 5 known incorrigible offenders who intermittently disregard the rules and regulations of the institution.
As of this morning, the Corrections Service says the 5 inmates who instigated the hunger strike have been isolated in the segregation area.
The 2 inmates who refused to participate in the hunger strike remain in the usual accommodation facility.
They say the remaining 20 inmates continue to be on hunger strike and have been accommodated in the wings with close supervision.
They further say the allegations contained in the complaint stemmed from the lack of rigid control over the routines and procedures applicable at the Maximum Correction Centre.
It says that with the new leadership in place, the modus operandi has changed by refocusing on enforcing the rules to the letter of the law and that has resulted in mooring operational contractions so that the gaps that the prisoners took advantage of to smuggle contrabands like drugs and mobile phones have been severely curtailed.
They adds the strict environment now prevailing, has compelled the prisoners to go out of their way to amplify their grievances to various agencies including the Fiji Human Rights Commission.
The Corrections Service says this morning, prisoners Qaqanivalu and Deshwar Dutt uttered vulgar language to the officers operating in the wing, and this unruly behaviour exhibited, confirms the typical rebellious character of both the prisoners.
They say prisoner Qaqanivalu was the second instigator, who is also known to countermand lawful orders.
The FCS wishes to confirm that the normal routines that apply in the hunger strike incident are being exercised at this point in time.
It says at the same time, investigations are ongoing to establish the factual information of the complaints.
The Centre implore the families and the community at large to work with the staff to holistically rehabilitate the prisoners to become productive citizens of the country.
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