Convicted coup leader George Speight and fellow mutineer Shane Stevens have been released after receiving presidential pardons. The pair, along with eight others, were granted pardons by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, following recommendations from the Mercy Commission.
The Mercy Commission, set up under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, has the authority to recommend the President to grant a free or conditional pardon, postpone punishment, or remit all or part of a sentence for those convicted.
Attempts to reach Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, for comments were unsuccessful as he is currently in Hawaii. However, the pardons for Speight and Stevens may align with the military’s reconciliation and restoration program.
On September 11, the Commission reviewed ten mercy petitions and recommended the release of the following individuals: George Speight, Shane Stevens, Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, John Miller, and Mahendra Lal Patel. The Commission stated that its decisions were made in full accordance with the Constitution.
George Speight was convicted of treason in 2001, initially facing a death sentence that was commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. He served 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days at Nukulau Island and Naboro Correction Facility. With no prior convictions and positive reports regarding his behavior from Fiji Corrections Services, the Commission recommended his pardon in recognition of his rehabilitation and time served.
Shane Stevens, convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002, served 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days at Naboro Correction Facility. Like Speight, Stevens had no previous convictions, and the Commission endorsed his pardon based on his progress in prison and rehabilitation.
Mahendra Lal Patel, convicted of abuse of office in 2006 and sentenced in absentia to 12 months’ imprisonment in 2014, had an earlier petition rejected. After the Commission reviewed his second petition in June 2024, considerations of his age, time spent outside Fiji, and contributions to the nation led to a conditional pardon, stipulating that he must not reoffend.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that the pardons followed due process, stating that the Mercy Commission reviews prisoner petitions before submitting them to the President for final approval.