Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the key figure behind the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those who orchestrated the coup. In a media interview, Rabuka addressed long-standing speculation linking him to both the coup and a mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, despite his ongoing denials.
Rabuka stated that Speight’s continued silence has positioned him as a victim for many years. “We want him to tell the truth,” he emphasized, adding that his lack of disclosure has hindered Rabuka’s efforts to clear his name regarding the coup. During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested that he did not act alone and mentioned that a more thorough police investigation would have placed him “in very distinguished company,” hinting at unnamed accomplices.
Last Thursday, both Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons. Speight, who was convicted of treason and had a death sentence commuted to life in prison, completed 24 years of his sentence, which included time at Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections complex.
Rabuka noted that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition Government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was held hostage during the coup, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Speight must reveal the real instigators behind the events. “If George Speight is truly remorseful about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” Chaudhry stated, maintaining that Speight was not the true mastermind of the coup.
Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube also remarked that Speight’s release is timely for uncovering the coup’s planners. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would focus neutrally on both victims and perpetrators, emphasizing, “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail.” Narube added that Speight has faced consequences for his actions, unlike others implicated in the coup who remain unpunished.