Convicted coup leader George Ilikini Naitini Speight, former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Commander Shane Stevens, and a Suva businessman have been granted presidential pardons from their prison sentences.
This decision follows the recommendations made by the Mercy Commission, which operates under section 119(3) of Fiji’s Constitution. The Commission has the authority to suggest that the President grants a free or conditional pardon, postpones the enforcement of a punishment for a specified period, or reduces the punishment for those convicted of a criminal offense.
On September 11, 2024, the Mercy Commission reviewed ten petitions for mercy, including those of Mahendralal Patel, George Speight, Shane Stevens, and seven others.
Mahendralal Patel, also known as Mahendra Motibhai Patel, was charged with abuse of office in 2006 and was convicted in absentia on November 20, 2014, receiving a 12-month prison sentence. His initial plea for mercy on April 4, 2023, was dismissed, but following a letter for reconsideration from his attorneys on June 13, 2024, the Commission took a closer look. Considering Patel’s age, time away from Fiji, and his contributions to the nation, the Commission recommended a conditional pardon, provided he does not reoffend.
George Ilikini Naitini Speight was charged with treason in 2001 and initially sentenced to death, though this was later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. Having served 24 years, Speight has been assessed positively by the Fiji Corrections Services, which recommended a pardon based on his behavior and the expressed potential for reintegration into society. The Commission has suggested that the President grant mercy by postponing Speight’s punishment indefinitely.
Shane Stevens was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002 and has been incarcerated for 21 years, eight months, and 20 days, with no prior convictions. The Corrections Services also provided favorable evaluations of Stevens’ progress in prison, prompting the Commission to recommend an indefinite postponement of his punishment.
On September 18, 2024, President approved the Mercy Commission’s recommendations in accordance with Section 119(5) of the Constitution. The Commission affirmed that these decisions are in line with constitutional provisions.