Justice Minister Siromi Turaga has clarified that the commutation of George Speight’s death sentence to life imprisonment in 2002 does not equate to a pardon. This clarification comes amid growing public concern regarding the legality of his recent presidential pardon.
Turaga responded to critics who questioned whether Speight could receive a pardon after already having his sentence commuted, citing that such a move would contradict constitutional law. He explained that the decision to commute Speight’s death sentence was made in 2002, reducing the penalty to life imprisonment. While a commutation lowers the severity of a sentence, it does not erase the conviction or absolve the individual from their crime.
“When the death penalty was abolished by law, it applied to everyone sentenced to death, not just one specific individual,” Turaga stated, highlighting changes enacted to align with constitutional and international standards.
His comments follow the recent announcement of Speight’s presidential pardon, addressing the due process that was adhered to in this decision. Turaga noted that others have also been released early under the previous government, emphasizing that now there is a clearer process for mercy that was not well understood before.
The presidential pardon, which could lead to Speight’s freedom after more than twenty years of incarceration, has garnered mixed reactions across the nation. Turaga asserted that Speight deserves the pardon as much as anyone else, reinforcing that it is not solely a matter of legality.
Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, chair of the Great Council of Chiefs, urged the public to accept Speight’s release, remarking that he has served his time. Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela, Seruvakula emphasized the importance of forgiveness and moving forward rather than dwelling on past grievances.
Speight was one of seven individuals pardoned and released last week, which included Shane Stevens, a central figure in the mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in 2000.