Prisons and Corrections Services expected to comment on Qarase today

The Fiji Prisons and Corrections Services is expected to comment today after calls by Laisenia Qarase's lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo that Qarase should be moved to an infirmary due to his age and health condition.

Draunidalo has told Fijivillage that she has written and called the Officer in Charge at Korovou Prison a number of times, requesting that 71 year old Qarase be transferred to an infirmary.

According to medical records earlier presented in court, Qarase is a diabetic, a heart patient and suffers from hypertension.

Draunidalo said she has not received a reply.

She visited Qarase last Saturday and Draunidalo said Qarase is treated like a normal prisoner despite his age and health condition.

We have called Commissioner of Prisons and Corrections Services, Colonel Ifereimi Vasu however he is yet to respond.

Spokesperson, Ana Tamani said she will comment later today.

Meanwhile Qarase who is currently serving a one year sentence in prison is expected to appeal his conviction in relation to the Fijian Holdings Limited case tomorrow.

The case will be called at 9.30am before Fiji Court of Appeal judge, Justice Suresh Chandra.
 
Qarase's lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo confirms that the appeal is against conviction.
 
Qarase was sentenced for 12 months by high court judge, Justice Priyantha Fernando in July after he was found guilty of six counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharging his duty with respect to property in which he had a private interest.

Story by: Vijay Narayan and Tokasa Rainima