Convicted coup leader George Speight and mutineer Shane Stevens have been released after receiving presidential pardons. Along with eight others, they were granted clemency by President Ratu Willame Katonivere, following recommendations from the Mercy Commission.
The Mercy Commission, operating under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, has the authority to advise the President on granting free or conditional pardons, delaying punishments, or remitting portions of sentences for convicted individuals.
Efforts to reach Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, for comment were unsuccessful as he is currently in Hawaii. However, the pardons for Speight and Stevens may align with the RFMF’s reconciliation and restoration initiatives.
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
– Mahendra Lal Patel
The commission confirmed that its decisions were made in full compliance with the Constitution.
George Speight, who was convicted of treason in 2001 after pleading guilty, initially faced the death penalty, which was later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. Having served 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days in custody, with no prior convictions and positive behavior reports from Fiji Corrections Services, the commission recommended his pardon in recognition of his rehabilitation.
Shane Stevens was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002 and served 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days at Naboro Correction Facility. He also had no previous convictions and received favorable reports, leading to the recommendation for his pardon based on his prison progress and rehabilitation.
Mahendra Lal Patel, convicted of abuse of office in 2006 and sentenced in absentia to 12 months in 2014, had an earlier petition denied. However, following a second petition review in June 2024, considerations of his age and contributions to the nation led to a conditional pardon, contingent upon no reoffending.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that the pardons followed proper procedures, stating, “The Mercy Commission reviews the prisoners’ petitions, which are then submitted to the President for final approval.”