The Fiji Women’s Crisis Center is urging George Speight and Shane Stevens to sincerely engage with the ongoing Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Coordinator Shamima Ali stated in an interview that while everyone is deserving of a second chance, it is crucial that they acknowledge and make amends for their past actions.
Concerns have been raised regarding the recent release of Speight and Stevens. Ali, who was a human rights activist at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre during the 2000 coup, emphasized that the fear and trauma experienced by the community during that time remain fresh in her memories.
She recounted, “I remember the fear and the experiences of all the people and what we went through when the coup happened. It was terrifying, a time when terrible things occurred, almost like all hell broke loose. Many suffered deeply.”
Following their release due to a Presidential Pardon, Ali mentioned that there has been an influx of inquiries from various community members expressing panic and fear as they recall the events of 2000. The Center is calling for the genuine participation of Speight and Stevens in the established Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“We are already hearing concerns from some parts of the community who are anxious and remembering what occurred in 2000,” she stated. “It was a time of total chaos and anarchy, and we need to reassure these individuals, while the government must also ensure that the public feels safe, despite the absence of immediate threats. The trauma experienced during that time continues to affect those who suffered, and we have yet to fully address their emotional wounds.”
Despite having served over 20 years in prison, Ali asserts that Speight and Stevens still have significant accountability to address.