The release of George Speight, who instigated months of chaos and violence in Fiji, has sparked significant concern across the country, according to Mahendra Chaudhry, leader of the Fiji Labour Party. After spending 24 years in prison for orchestrating the 2000 invasion of Parliament that ousted the democratically elected government led by Chaudhry, Speight was released on Thursday along with several others, following a Presidential pardon granted by the Mercy Commission.
Chaudhry stated, “If George Speight is genuinely remorseful for the violence and destruction his reckless actions caused to the nation, the least he can do in recompense is to reveal the truth about the events of 2000.” He raised the question of who would ensure justice for the innocent victims of Speight’s actions.
He emphasized that any efforts to release those guilty of treason should have been preceded by measures to provide justice and foster reconciliation for the victims. Chaudhry criticized the timing of Speight’s release, noting that it came before a Truth and Reconciliation process and has reopened wounds from the 2000 events without facilitating the necessary healing.
“His release has undermined the nation’s sense of justice and could have lasting effects on national unity and public confidence in the current government,” he added. Chaudhry revealed that Speight’s release was anticipated, stemming from a campaign promise made by Prime Minister Rabuka ahead of the 2022 general election.
Chaudhry pointed to the earlier release of Speight’s co-conspirators, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, just six months prior, suggesting that Speight’s freedom was only a matter of time. He expressed hope that now that Speight is free, he will disclose the truth regarding the 2000 coup, noting that Speight has consistently claimed he was not the actual leader of the coup.
In response to inquiries about Speight’s release, Prime Minister Rabuka asserted that the proper protocols were followed by the Prerogative of Mercy Commission (PMC). “The PMC conducts its own assessments and evaluations after receiving requests from inmates or their families seeking mercy,” Rabuka explained. “The PMC deemed it warranted, leading to his release.”