The Mercy Commission convened on September 18, 2024, to consider mercy petitions from several individuals, including Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, John Miller, George Speight, and Shane Stevens. After careful deliberation, the Commission made recommendations for mercy, leading to President of Fiji granting pardons for all petitioners under Section 119(5) of the Constitution on the same day.
As a result, these individuals were officially released from custody on September 19, 2024. Unfortunately, for James Sanjesh Goundar, who died on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, the pardon arrived too late. The Fiji Correction Service and the government reaffirm their commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, with the Mercy Commission playing a crucial role in reviewing clemency requests thoughtfully, considering the specifics of each situation.