Convicted coup leader George Speight and mutineer Shane Stevens have been released following presidential pardons. President Ratu Willame Katonivere granted the pardons to Speight and Stevens, along with eight others, based on recommendations from the Mercy Commission.
The Mercy Commission, established under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, has the authority to recommend that the President grant either a free or conditional pardon, postpone a punishment, or remit all or part of a punishment for those convicted.
Attempts to reach the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, for comments were unsuccessful, as he is currently in Hawaii. However, the release of Speight and Stevens may align with the military’s reconciliation and restoration program.
On September 11, the Commission reviewed ten mercy petitions, ultimately recommending the release of several individuals, including Speight, Stevens, Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, John Miller, and Mahendra Lal Patel. The Commission noted that its decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.
In his petition, George Speight, who was convicted of treason in 2001 and initially faced a death sentence that was later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002, had served 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days in prison. With no prior convictions and favorable reports from Fiji Corrections Services regarding his behavior, the commission recommended his pardon in light of his rehabilitation.
Shane Stevens, who was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002, served 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days, also at Naboro Correction Facility. Like Speight, Stevens had no previous convictions, and positive reports from the corrections service helped support his pardon recommendation based on his progress and rehabilitation.
Additionally, Mahendra Lal Patel, convicted of abuse of office in 2006 and sentenced in absentia to 12 months in 2014, had an earlier petition dismissed. However, after a second review in June 2024, the commission granted him a conditional pardon, considering factors such as his age, time spent outside Fiji, and contributions to the nation.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that these pardons followed due process, stating, “The Mercy Commission reviews the prisoners’ petitions, which are then submitted to the President for final approval.”