George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup in Fiji, along with six other individuals, has been officially released from custody as of today. The Fiji Corrections Services issued a statement indicating that the Mercy Commission met on September 18, 2024, to review mercy petitions from the following individuals: Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, John Miller, George Speight, and Shane Stevens.
After careful consideration, the Commission recommended mercy, which was granted by the President of Fiji under Section 119(5) of the Constitution. The pardons were duly issued on September 18, 2024, leading to their official release today, September 19, 2024.
It is important to note that while these individuals received pardons, James Sanjesh Goundar passed away on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, and thus the pardon unfortunately came too late for him. The Fiji Correction Service and the government emphasize their dedication to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, highlighting the significant role of the Mercy Commission in evaluating clemency petitions with care and consideration of each individual case.