The recent release of George Speight, who instigated months of chaos and violence in Fiji, has sparked significant concern among the population, according to leaders of the Fiji Labour Party, including Mahendra Chaudhry.
Speight, who spent 24 years in prison for leading the 2000 invasion of Parliament aimed at removing the democratically elected government headed by Chaudhry, was released on Thursday after receiving a Presidential pardon from the Mercy Commission, alongside several others.
Chaudhry expressed that if Speight sincerely regrets the turmoil and destruction his actions caused, he should at least come forward with the truth regarding the events of 2000. He questioned who would seek justice for the innocent individuals affected by Speight’s actions, emphasizing that any moves to release individuals guilty of treason and serious crimes should have been accompanied by measures to achieve justice and reconciliation for those victimized.
Chaudhry highlighted that treason is a grave offense typically punishable by life imprisonment, and Speight’s release prior to a Truth and Reconciliation process was disappointing. He stated that this release has reignited the anger surrounding the events of 2000 without facilitating necessary healing beforehand.
He argued that this situation undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could have long-lasting impacts on national unity and public confidence in the current government. Chaudhry suggested that Speight’s release was anticipated, given a previous election promise made by Mr. Rabuka shortly before the 2022 elections, and pointed to the earlier release of Speight’s co-conspirators as an indication of what was to come.
Chaudhry noted that with Speight now free, there is hope for him to disclose the truth about the coup, affirming that Speight has consistently claimed he was not the principal leader or instigator of the coup.
In response to questions regarding the release, Mr. Rabuka stated that proper procedures were adhered to by the Prerogative of Mercy Commission in facilitating Speight’s release. He remarked that the commission conducts independent assessments after considering requests for mercy from inmates or their families, and determined that a release was justified in this case.