Convicted coup leader George Speight and mutineer Shane Stevens have been released following presidential pardons granted by President Ratu Willame Katonivere. The two, along with eight others, received their pardons yesterday as recommended by the Mercy Commission.
The Mercy Commission, which operates under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, is empowered to recommend the President to issue pardons, defer punishments, or reduce sentences for convicted individuals.
Attempts 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 release of Speight and Stevens may align with the military’s ongoing reconciliation and restoration efforts.
On September 11, the Mercy Commission assessed ten mercy petitions and recommended releases for the following individuals:
– George Speight
– Shane Stevens
– Sekina Vosavakatini
– Nioni Tagici
– James Sanjesh Goundar
– Adi Livini Radininausori
– John Miller
– Mahendra Lal Patel
The commission affirmed that these decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.
George Speight, who was tried for treason in 2001 and originally sentenced to death (later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002), served 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days at Nukulau Island and Naboro Correction Facility. With no prior convictions and positive behavior reports from Fiji Corrections Services (FCS), his pardon was recommended in light of his rehabilitation and the duration of his imprisonment.
Shane Stevens, convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002, served 21 years, eight months, and 20 days at Naboro Correction Facility, also without any previous convictions. His pardon recommendation was based on positive reports from FCS regarding his progress and rehabilitation.
Mahendra Lal Patel, sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment in absentia for abuse of office in 2006, initially had a petition dismissed. However, after a second review in June 2024, considering his age, time spent outside Fiji, and contributions to the nation, he received a conditional pardon contingent on not reoffending.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that the pardons followed the established legal processes. He noted that the Mercy Commission reviews prisoner petitions before they are forwarded to the President for final approval.