Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the key figure behind the 2000 coup, to come forward and disclose information about others who may have been involved in the coup’s planning. In a media interview, Rabuka expressed concern over the long-standing speculation linking him to the events of the coup and a subsequent mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, despite his repeated denials.
Rabuka stated that Speight’s silence has made him a victim over the years, emphasizing, “We want him to tell the truth. I am one of those who have been victims of his silence.” He clarified that this lack of information has hindered his ability to be exonerated regarding his supposed role in the coup.
During Speight’s sentencing in February 2002, he suggested that he was not acting alone and remarked that had police conducted a thorough inquiry, he would not be alone in terms of those incarcerated. Recently, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons after Speight, originally sentenced to death for treason, had his punishment commuted to life imprisonment. He served 24 years, including time in correctional facilities.
Rabuka pointed out that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, echoed these sentiments, insisting that Speight must reveal the identities of the real instigators. “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” Chaudhry stated, suggesting that Speight was never the real leader of the coup’s events.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also highlighted the importance of Speight’s release for uncovering the coup’s architects, advocating for a truth and reconciliation process that honors both victims and perpetrators. He stated, “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” noting that although Speight has faced consequences for his actions, many others involved remain unaccounted for.