Mosese Bulitavu, a Member of Parliament from the G9 coalition, has expressed his support for the release of George Speight, the civilian coup leader. Bulitavu is the first MP from the G9 to comment on Speight’s liberation.
Speight was granted presidential immunity on Thursday after the Mercy Commission reviewed his application on Wednesday.
“He has served his time! We need to move away from our past and seek restoration through reconciliation,” stated Bulitavu.
He noted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is spearheading the reconciliation process, and Speight’s release marks a significant step in the right direction.
“A few of us politicians, who have also served time in prison, understand why a rehabilitated prisoner deserves a second chance,” Bulitavu commented.
He emphasized the need to change societal perceptions of former inmates, stating, “For those of us outside prison, we must address the second prison, which is society’s view of the crimes committed, and welcome them back after undergoing rehabilitation with the Fiji Corrections Service.”