Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed strong disapproval regarding the recent release of George Speight from prison. Speight, who led the 2000 civilian coup, was among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon on Thursday following a review by the Mercy Commission.
In 2000, Speight orchestrated a takeover of Parliament to overthrow the government of Mahendra Chaudhry, which was democratically elected. This coup led to a period of chaos and violence in Fiji, causing widespread fear among the populace. Chaudhry highlighted that Indo-Fijians were particularly affected by the violence incited by Speight and his supporters, leading to the displacement and trauma of numerous innocent families from rural areas.
Chaudhry raised concerns about the lack of justice for the victims of Speight’s actions, questioning who would ensure accountability for those affected. He argued that any decisions to release individuals guilty of treason should have been preceded by efforts toward justice and reconciliation for the victims. He criticized Speight’s release as premature, stating that it has reignited public outrage from the events of 2000, without offering healing.
He emphasized that treason is a grave offense that warrants a life sentence and questioned the implications of Speight’s release for national unity and public trust in the current government. Highlighting previous election promises made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka that foreshadowed Speight’s release, Chaudhry suggested that the government’s priorities hinted at this outcome.
Chaudhry also referenced the prior pardons of Speight’s co-conspirators, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, indicating that he anticipated Speight’s release. Now that Speight is free, Chaudhry hopes he will come forward with the truth regarding the 2000 coup, noting that Speight previously claimed he was not the true instigator of the coup. He called on Speight to acknowledge the impact of his actions on the nation and to share the truth about the events of 2000.