The coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Shamima Ali, has expressed her belief that George Speight, the self-proclaimed leader of the 2000 coup, and former military officer Shane Stevens have significant accountability for their actions. Speight, Stevens, and several others were recently granted a Presidential pardon and released from prison.
Ali emphasized the importance of what Speight and Stevens choose to do moving forward. “While I believe that everyone deserves a second chance and acknowledging that both men have spent over 20 years in prison, they have much to answer for,” she stated. As a human rights activist who worked with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre during the coup, she recalled the fear and trauma experienced by many at that time.
Describing the events of the coup as terrifying and chaotic, Ali highlighted the suffering endured by numerous individuals. She urged both Speight and Stevens to take part in the Truth and Reconciliation process sincerely and to confront the impact of their actions.
“We hope that Mr. Stevens will engage in the reconciliation process within the military,” Ali added. She noted the anxiety within communities, as some individuals are recalling the turmoil of 2000, despite no immediate dangers present.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has been actively listening to the stories of those affected. Ali shared that while some narratives reflected courage and solidarity, many others involved harrowing experiences of violence and trauma. She called for reassurance from the government to help alleviate the fears of those who still bear the scars of that period, stressing the necessity of addressing the unresolved trauma that persists within the community.