Convicted coup leader George Speight and mutineer Shane Stevens have been released following presidential pardons granted by President Ratu Willame Katonivere. Alongside eight others, Speight and Stevens received their pardons yesterday based on recommendations from the Mercy Commission.
The Mercy Commission, established under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, has the authority to recommend various forms of clemency, including the granting of free or conditional pardons, postponement of punishments, or remission of sentences for convicted individuals.
Attempts to reach Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, for a comment were unsuccessful, as he is currently in Hawaii. However, the release of Speight and Stevens may align with the RFMF’s reconciliation and restoration program.
On September 11, the Commission reviewed ten mercy petitions, ultimately recommending the release of the following individuals:
– George Speight
– Shane Stevens
– Sekina Vosavakatini
– Nioni Tagici
– James Sanjesh Goundar
– Adi Livini Radininausori
– John Miller
– Mahendra Lal Patel
The Commission emphasized that its decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.
George Speight, who was convicted of treason in 2001 and initially sentenced to death, saw his sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. After serving 24 years and over 8820 days at Nukulau Island and Naboro Correction Facility, the Commission recommended his pardon, citing his lack of prior convictions and positive behavior while incarcerated.
Shane Stevens was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002 and served 21 years and nearly 7944 days in the Naboro Correction Facility. He, too, had no prior convictions, and positive evaluations from the Fiji Corrections Services contributed to the Commission’s recommendation for his release based on his progress and rehabilitation.
Mahendra Lal Patel, convicted of abuse of office in 2006, had a previous petition dismissed but received a conditional pardon upon the review of his second petition in June 2024. The Commission took into account his age, time spent outside Fiji, and substantial contributions to the nation.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that the pardons were granted following a thorough process. “The Mercy Commission reviews the prisoners’ petitions, which are then submitted to the President for final approval,” he stated.