The Fiji Women’s Crisis Center has urged George Speight and Shane Stevens to genuinely engage with the existing Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Coordinator Shamima Ali expressed to Fiji One News that while everyone is entitled to a second chance, it is essential for them to acknowledge and make amends for their past actions.
Concerns have been voiced following the release of Speight and Stevens, which occurred yesterday. As a human rights activist who worked with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre during the 2000 coup, Ali recalled the fear and trauma experienced by the community at that time, stating, “I remember the fear, the experience of all the people and what we all went through when the coup happened. It was so frightening. It was a time when terrible things happened, almost like all hell broke loose. There were people who suffered so much.”
Following the release due to a Presidential Pardon, questions have arisen from various community members. The Centre has called for the two men to actively take part in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Ali noted, “We are already getting questions and hearing from some sections of the community who are panicking and fearful because they are remembering what happened in 2000.”
She emphasized the need for reassurance from the government about the safety of the community, highlighting that while there is no immediate threat, the trauma from that period has not been resolved. Ali added that even though Speight and Stevens have each served over 20 years in prison, they still have significant accountability regarding their past actions.