by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
George Speight, the instigator of the 2000 coup in Fiji, along with former soldier Shane Stevens, the leader of the mutineers, has received Presidential pardons.
On Thursday, the Fiji Correction Service announced that they were among seven inmates granted pardons by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, following recommendations from the Mercy Commission.
“These pardons were officially granted on September 18, 2024. Consequently, the individuals mentioned have been released from custody today, September 19, 2024,” the statement indicated.
The Fiji Correction Service and the government reaffirmed their commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, emphasizing the crucial role of the Mercy Commission in thoroughly evaluating clemency petitions based on individual circumstances.
Speight was serving a life sentence for treason, while Stevens was imprisoned for mutiny.
Also released were Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, and John Miller.
In June 2023, Speight applied for a presidential pardon under a mercy clause, raising hopes for his release after spending over 20 years in prison.
Speight’s coup in 2000 was notable for being the first civilian-led armed takeover of the government in Fiji.
In 2002, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who initiated the coup culture in Fiji, warned that granting Speight a pardon would be disastrous and could encourage further coups.
