Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed strong opposition to the recent release of George Speight from prison. Speight, who led the civilian coup in 2000, was among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon on Thursday after a review by the Mercy Commission.
During the 2000 takeover, Speight aimed to dismantle the democratically elected government led by Mahendra Chaudhry. The coup instigated several months of chaos and violence across the country, creating widespread fear among the population. Chaudhry highlighted that Indo-Fijians were particularly affected by Speight’s actions, enduring significant violence and trauma.
He detailed the distress faced by countless families in rural areas, who were forced from their homes and suffered from months of terror. Chaudhry recounted how members of his government were taken hostage in Parliament for 56 days, enduring threats and torture.
Chaudhry raised concerns about the implications of Speight’s release, questioning who would seek justice for the victims of his violent actions. He criticized the decision to pardon those guilty of treason without prioritizing justice and reconciliation for the innocent affected by their crimes.
“Treason is a serious crime deserving of a mandatory life sentence. His release prior to a Truth and Reconciliation process is disheartening, as it reignites the anger from 2000 without the necessary healing,” Chaudhry stated. He suggested that this action undermines the nation’s justice system, potentially damaging national unity and public trust in the government.
Chaudhry noted that Speight’s pardon was not unexpected, as it had been hinted at during an election rally by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka prior to the 2022 General Elections. He also pointed out that given the current government’s actions and priorities, it was likely that Speight would be released following the earlier pardons of his co-conspirators, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, who were pardoned in December.
Chaudhry expressed hope that now as a free man, Speight would be forthcoming about the events surrounding the 2000 coup, noting that Speight had previously claimed he was not the main instigator of the coup. He urged Speight, if he truly regrets the consequences of his actions, to reveal the truth about the events of 2000.