Justice Temo to meet the Corrections commisioner

High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo will discuss with the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service on allowing lawyers to meet their clients at the Labasa Corrections Centre.

During a case at the High Court in Labasa on Tuesday, Kohli and Singh Associates lawyer Ami Kohli informed Justice Temo that he was not allowed by the officers at Labasa Corrections Centre to meet his client to get a signature for a bail application.

“I was told to write to the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service and get his approval then only I will be allowed to meet my client,” Mr Kohli said.

“This wasn’t the case before and when I asked the officers, they told me this policy has been in place during the year. Shouldn’t we be practical and think practical?

“We have responsible officers on duty and in charge of the centres who can do their jobs.

“Judges are scheduled to be at the High Court in Labasa for a certain time. When we rush to help our clients, officers should be helpful.”

Justice Temo said the measles outbreak could be a possible reason that the officers wanted to keep the inmates safe.

“Measles has been in Fiji for a month or so and there hasn’t been a measles case in Labasa,” Mr Kohli responded.

“They can’t kick us out because of measles. I believe something needs to be done because we can’t wait for a reply on email.”

Justice Temo responded: “I understand your difficulties. Counsels should always have access to their clients.

“I will have a meeting with Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service on that issue.”