Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed his disapproval of the release of George Speight from prison. Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, was among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon on Thursday following a review of mercy petitions by the Mercy Commission.
In May 2000, Speight orchestrated a takeover of Parliament that resulted in the ousting of Chaudhry’s democratically elected government. This coup led to widespread violence and disorder throughout the country, creating a climate of fear, particularly among the Indo-Fijian community who were heavily targeted during the turmoil.
Chaudhry voiced his concerns, highlighting the trauma faced by countless innocent families in rural areas who were displaced and affected by the violence. He also pointed out that members of his government endured 56 days of captivity in Parliament, during which they faced threats and torture at the hands of rebel soldiers.
Chaudhry questioned the implications of Speight’s release for ensuring justice for the victims of his violent actions. He argued that any efforts to pardon those guilty of treason and serious crimes should have been preceded by measures to achieve justice and reconciliation for the victims.
He emphasized that treason is a grave offense that usually carries a life sentence, and the decision to release Speight prior to a Truth and Reconciliation process is concerning, as it revives the trauma of the 2000 incident without offering any healing first.
Chaudhry noted that this move undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could have detrimental effects on national unity and public trust in the current government. He pointed out that Speight’s release was anticipated, following a promise made by Prime Minister Rabuka during a rally before the 2022 General Elections.
Reflecting on the government’s priorities, Chaudhry expressed that it seemed inevitable that Speight would be released after the pardoning of his co-conspirators, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, last December.
Chaudhry hopes that now once again a free man, Speight will come forward to share the truth about the events of 2000. He reminded that Speight has consistently claimed he was not the true leader behind the coup and previously suggested that, if law enforcement had been honest about the evidence against him, he would share a cell with prominent figures on Nukulau Island.
He urged Speight, if he genuinely regrets the violence and devastation caused by his actions, to reveal the truth about the coup in order to provide some measure of restitution to the nation.