Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those involved in planning the coup. In a recent media interview, Mr. Rabuka expressed frustration over ongoing speculation that links him to the coup and the mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, despite his repeated denials. He stated that Speight’s failure to speak out has made him a target of such rumors for many years.
“We want him to tell the truth,” Mr. Rabuka stated, adding that he is among those who have suffered due to Speight’s silence. He emphasized that this silence has obstructed his efforts to clear his name regarding alleged involvement in the coup.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested he was not acting alone and remarked that if the police had conducted a thorough investigation, he would be joined by many others in a notable location on Nukulau Island.
Recently, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons. Speight, who was convicted of treason and initially sentenced to death, had his punishment reduced to life imprisonment. He spent 24 years incarcerated, including time on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Corrections complex.
Prime Minister Rabuka pointed out that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, reiterated these demands, stating that Speight needs to reveal the true instigators behind the events.
“If George Speight is genuinely remorseful for the destruction caused, the least he can do is disclose the truth,” Mr. Chaudhry asserted, insisting that Speight was not the actual mastermind behind the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also emphasized that Speight’s release is an opportunity to uncover the individuals responsible for orchestrating the coup. He hopes the truth and reconciliation process will be impartial, addressing the needs of both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” Mr. Narube stated, noting that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, others involved have escaped punishment.