George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, along with six others, has been officially released from custody today.
The Fiji Corrections Services issued a statement revealing that the Mercy Commission had convened on September 18, 2024. During this meeting, the commission reviewed mercy petitions from the following individuals:
• Sekina Vosavakatini
• Nioni Tagici
• James Sanjesh Goundar
• Adi Livini Radininausori
• John Miller
• George Speight
• Shane Stevens
After evaluating these petitions, the commission made recommendations for mercy, which were approved by the President of Fiji under Section 119(5) of the Constitution, resulting in pardons for all named individuals.
These pardons were officially granted on September 18, 2024, leading to their release from custody today, September 19, 2024.
It should be noted that James Sanjesh Goundar, who died on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, did not benefit from the pardon in time.
The Fiji Correction Service and the government emphasized their commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, highlighting the vital role that the Mercy Commission plays in evaluating clemency petitions while considering the unique circumstances of each case.