Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed strong disapproval regarding George Speight’s release from prison. Speight, who led the civilian coup in 2000, was among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon on Thursday, following a review by the Mercy Commission.
Speight orchestrated the takeover of Parliament in 2000, aiming to remove the democratically elected government headed by Chaudhry. This coup resulted in months of chaos and violence across the nation, causing widespread fear and uncertainty.
Chaudhry highlighted that Indo-Fijians were particularly affected by the violence that erupted under Speight’s leadership. “Hundreds of innocent families in rural communities were traumatized, and displaced from their homes, victims of months of terror and violence,” he stated. He further reminded that members of his government were held hostage in Parliament at gunpoint for 56 days, enduring threats, humiliation, and torture.
The former Prime Minister raised concerns about accountability for the victims of Speight’s actions. He argued that any move to pardon individuals guilty of treason should have been accompanied by efforts to provide justice and reconciliation for the innocent victims. “Treason is a serious crime that warrants a mandatory life sentence. His release, ahead of any Truth and Reconciliation process, is disappointing; it revives the outrage of 2000 without the necessary healing,” Chaudhry said.
He noted that this decision undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could threaten national unity and public confidence in the current government. Chaudhry pointed out that Speight’s release was anticipated, referencing a campaign promise made by Mr. Rabuka before the 2022 General Elections.
Regarding priorities of Rabuka’s government, Chaudhry suggested that it was predictable that Speight would eventually be released, especially given the previous pardons granted to his co-conspirators Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu.
Chaudhry concluded by hoping that now as a free man, Speight would disclose the truth about the events of the 2000 coup, recalling that Speight had previously claimed he was not the real instigator of the coup. He urged Speight to take responsibility for his actions by revealing the full truth behind the chaos unleashed on the nation.