Nalini Singh

The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement produced its third annual analysis of rape cases that were decided in the High Court.

The organization also undertook a further analysis of 3 years data – looking at specific trends relating to rape cases.

Executive Director, Nalini Singh says their analysis shows that two minors were presented in court last year for sexual assault.

Singh says both were given a non-custodial sentence since they were minors.

“Through the judiciary there has been an increase in the tariffs for child rape offences. From ten to sixteen years now we see eleven to twenty years being meted out.”

In 85 out of 94 cases decided in court, the accused was found guilty of rape and in three cases, the accused was found guilty of a lesser charge.

Singh says in the other six cases the accused was acquitted.