A grieving father who travelled from Sigatoka with his family to call for changes to Fiji's criminal justice system says victims and their families need greater protection, while serious offenders must face stronger consequences.
While speaking to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Sachida Nand of Kulukulu, Sigatoka, is calling for a comprehensive review of Fiji's bail, sentencing, parole and repeat-offender laws following the death of his son after an alleged assault.
Nand and his sons were allegedly assaulted last month following a confrontation over an incident involving one of his farm animals.
His son later died as a result of the alleged assault and was laid to rest at Koromumu Cemetery.
Ratu Vula Maimuri Ratuva and his son Ratu Kinijoji Ranovo Ratuva have been charged for the assault and murder of 38-year-old Vimal Vikash Nand.
They are currently in remand.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the Speaker and whole of Parliament, Committee Chairman Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure conveyed their condolences and says they will take his submissions into consideration.
Ratu Rakuita advised Nand that the committee will not interfere with the case, as his late son’s case is currently before the court.
Among Nand's proposals is the establishment of a compensation system or fund to provide financial assistance to families of victims of serious crimes.
Nand is also calling for Fiji's bail laws to be reviewed, particularly for people charged with serious violent offences.
He says bail should not be automatic in serious cases and that courts should give greater consideration to factors including flight risk, interference with witnesses, intimidation of victims, the possibility of re-offending and the danger posed to the wider community.
He has proposed stronger bail conditions, including regular reporting to Police, the surrender of travel documents, restrictions on movement and prohibitions on contacting victims or witnesses.
Nand is also urging Parliament to consider electronic monitoring, including ankle bracelets, for accused people released on bail who are identified as presenting a risk.
On sentencing, Nand is calling for serious violent offences to attract severe and proportionate penalties and says Parliament should consider substantial minimum non-parole periods for appropriate serious offences.
Nand says laws dealing with repeat offenders should also be strengthened and that the criminal justice system must provide an effective deterrent against serious violent offending.
However, Nand says reforms must continue to respect the rights of accused persons, including the presumption of innocence, due process, judicial independence and the right to a fair trial.
He is calling for a comprehensive review of Fiji's criminal justice laws involving judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, Police, Corrections authorities, victim-support organisations, criminologists and members of the wider community.
Nand says the review should identify legislative gaps, including inadequate penalties, weak supervision mechanisms and inconsistencies in sentencing, and address these through evidence-based law reform.
He says the objective should not simply be to impose harsher punishments, but to create a criminal justice system that is credible, consistent, transparent and effective in protecting society.
Nand says his submissions are driven by the experience of his family and the need to prevent other families from enduring a similar tragedy.
