George Speight, the businessman known for his role as the self-appointed leader of the 2000 coup in Fiji, has been released from prison. Alongside him, former military officer Shane Stevens received a Presidential pardon from the Mercy Commission and was released from custody yesterday.
In 2002, Speight was convicted of treason for orchestrating the coup and sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent a total of 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days in prison, amounting to 8,820 days, at both Nukulau Island and Naboro Correction Facility.
The Mercy Commission stated that positive behavior reports from the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) contributed to their recommendation for his pardon. Psychological and judicial assessments were also reviewed, supporting his reintegration into society.
Other individuals released on the same day included Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, and John Miller. According to a post on the FCS Facebook page, the Mercy Commission carefully considered the applications before making recommendations for clemency, leading the President to grant pardons under Section 119(5) of the Constitution.
These pardons were officially granted on September 18, 2024. Unfortunately, for James Sanjesh Goundar, who passed away on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, the pardon arrived too late.
The FCS emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, noting the vital role of the Mercy Commission in reviewing clemency petitions. Last December, others convicted alongside Speight for the same crime received pardons, including Naitasiri high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Timoci Silatolu, and Josefa Nata.