The Penal Code of Fiji has been replaced by the Crimes Promulgation and a new sentencing and penalties decree has also been approved by the government.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Crimes promulgation brings about ground breaking provisions in the criminal justice system in Fiji and modernizes and reforms all laws in Fiji.
Penal Code replaced by Crimes Promulgation
Sayed-Khaiyum said the promulgation extends the jurisdiction of the Courts in Fiji.
There is also the introduction of new crimes based on communication technology.
Another major change is relating to crimes involving prostitution. Sayed-Khaiyum said those seeking services of prostitutes can now be prosecuted.
Under the sentencing decree, harsher penalties will be handed down for crimes such as sacrilege while Judges and Magistrates will be given set guidelines to ensure consistency in handing down sentences for various offences.
The Attorney General said the training of the relevant law enforcement agencies, Judges and Magistrates will get underway soon and they intend to implement the new laws from February 2010.
Penal Code replaced by Crimes Promulgation
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when