Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed concern following the release of George Speight, the leader behind the 2000 coup in Fiji. Chaudhry stated that Speight’s freedom has created widespread unease across the country.
In his remarks, the leader of the Fiji Labour Party emphasized that Indo-Fijians were predominantly targeted during the violence and chaos initiated by Speight and his associates. He recounted the trauma inflicted upon countless innocent families in rural areas, who faced terror and violence and were forced to leave their homes and farms.
Chaudhry also highlighted that members of his government were held hostage in Parliament for 56 days under the threat of guns, enduring humiliation, threats, and physical and psychological torture from rebel soldiers.
He questioned who would ensure justice for the victims of Speight’s actions, stating that any decision to release individuals guilty of treason and unspeakable crimes against humanity should have been preceded by efforts to deliver justice and reconciliation for the affected victims. Chaudhry noted that treason is a grave offense, warranting a mandatory life sentence. He criticized Speight’s release, stating it reopens wounds from 2000 without the necessary healing process.
Chaudhry argued that this development undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could have long-lasting impacts on national unity and public confidence in the current government. He remarked that the release was expected, as it had been hinted at by an election promise made by the Prime Minister shortly before the 2022 general elections.
He reflected on the government’s priorities since taking office, noting that it was only a matter of time before Speight was freed, especially after the earlier release of his co-conspirators Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu just six months prior.
Chaudhry expressed hope that now that Speight is a free man, he might reveal the truth about the 2000 coup, as Speight has consistently claimed he was not the true leader or instigator of the insurrection. He recalled that during his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested that if the police had been honest, he would not be alone in facing consequences, indicating that others should have been held accountable alongside him.
The former Prime Minister concluded by stating that if Speight genuinely regrets the violence and harm his actions caused, he should at least disclose the truth about the events of 2000.