Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa stated that there are no legal barriers preventing George Speight from seeking a mercy application. Speight, known for his involvement in the 2000 coup, along with former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit leader Shane Stevens, was among seven individuals granted Presidential Pardons last Thursday.
Speight was convicted of treason after pleading guilty in 2001, and his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment the following year. He has been incarcerated for 24 years, one month, and 23 days, totaling 8820 days, during his time at both Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections Complex. Notably, he has no prior convictions.
Nakarawa addressed the conversation surrounding Speight potentially being pardoned twice, clarifying that, according to the law, he is eligible to apply for mercy. He explained that the circumstances surrounding the first pardon were different, as it was not a direct application from Speight but rather a court ruling influenced by the legal landscape at the time. Nakarawa noted that although the death penalty remained on the books, the government was in the process of abolishing it, and the ruling stemmed from a legal loophole.
The Mercy Commission ultimately holds the final authority in these matters, according to Nakarawa. He also shared that both Speight and Stevens were emotional upon learning of their pardons, expressing their hope to start anew and pursue business ventures after gaining valuable insights during their imprisonment. Nakarawa urged the public to recognize the efforts of the corrections service in fulfilling their duties within the bounds of the law, even as opinions on the matter may vary.