Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed deep concern over the release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, stating that it has caused significant unease across the nation. In his remarks, Chaudhry emphasized that Indo-Fijians were primarily targeted during the turmoil instigated by Speight and his associates.
He recounted the trauma faced by countless innocent families in rural areas who were displaced and subjected to months of violence and terror. Chaudhry described how members of his government were held hostage in Parliament for 56 days, enduring threats, humiliation, and both physical and mental torture from the rebel forces.
Chaudhry questioned who would ensure justice for the victims of Speight’s actions, asserting that the release of individuals guilty of treason should have been preceded by efforts to restore justice and foster reconciliation with those harmed. He highlighted that treason is a grave offense that warrants a mandatory life sentence and criticized the decision to free Speight before a Truth and Reconciliation process could take place, arguing that it has reignited anger from the 2000 events without the necessary healing.
He further stated that this action undermines national justice and threatens the unity and confidence of citizens in the current government. Chaudhry noted that Speight’s release was anticipated following a promise made by the Prime Minister during a rally shortly before the 2022 general elections.
Reflecting on the government’s priorities since taking office, he suggested that Speight’s release was inevitable after the earlier liberation of his co-conspirators, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, just six months prior. With Speight now a free man, Chaudhry hopes he will reveal the truth about the 2000 coup, recalling that Speight had denied being the true instigator of those events from the very beginning.
He quoted Speight from his sentencing in February 2002, where he insinuated that he might not have faced such severe consequences if the police had acted honestly regarding the evidence. Chaudhry concluded by stating that if Speight truly regrets the violence and destruction caused by his actions, he should disclose the truth about the events of 2000 as a form of restitution.