George Speight, known for his role as the self-declared leader of the 2000 coup in Fiji, has been released from prison. Along with former military officer Shane Stevens, Speight received a Presidential pardon from the Mercy Commission and was officially discharged from custody by the Fiji Corrections Service yesterday.
In 2002, Speight was convicted of treason related to the coup and served a life sentence. He spent a total of 24 years and 23 days in prison, amounting to 8,820 days, primarily on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Correction Facility.
The Mercy Commission stated that the Fiji Corrections Service provided positive reports on Speight’s conduct, which contributed to their recommendation for a pardon. A review of psychological and judicial assessments also supported his reintegration into society.
Other individuals released alongside Speight included Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, and John Miller.
A statement from the Fiji Corrections Service indicated that the Mercy Commission had carefully reviewed the applications for clemency, leading to the President’s grant of pardons, as specified under Section 119(5) of the Constitution. These pardons were officially issued on September 18, 2024.
Regrettably, James Sanjesh Goundar, who passed away on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, did not live to receive his pardon.
The Fiji Corrections Service emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, highlighting the crucial role of the Mercy Commission in evaluating clemency petitions. Last December, others imprisoned alongside Speight for the same offense were also granted pardons and released, including high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Timoci Silatolu, and Josefa Nata.