Convicted coup leader George Ilikini Naitini Speight, former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Commander Shane Stevens, and a Suva businessman have received presidential pardons, allowing them to be released from prison. This decision follows the recommendations made by the Mercy Commission, which operates under section 119(3) of the Fijian Constitution. The commission has the authority to suggest that the President grant either a free or conditional pardon, postpone the implementation of a punishment for a specified or indefinite duration, or remit all or part of a sentence for individuals convicted of a criminal offense.
On September 11, 2024, the Mercy Commission reviewed ten mercy petitions. After thorough discussions, it made recommendations concerning the petitions from Mahendralal Patel, George Speight, Shane Stevens, and seven other petitioners.
Mahendralal Patel, who was charged with Abuse of Office in 2006 and convicted in absentia in 2014, had faced a 12-month imprisonment sentence. His initial petition to the Mercy Commission was dismissed in April 2023. However, following a reconsideration request from his lawyers in June 2024, the Commission factored in Patel’s age, the time he has spent away from Fiji, and his significant contributions to the nation, resulting in a recommendation for a conditional pardon, provided he avoids reoffending.
George Ilikini Naitini Speight was charged with treason and had pleaded guilty in 2001, with his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. He has served 24 years and over eight months in prison, with no prior convictions. The Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) submitted positive behavior reports about Speight, supporting his reintegration into society, and the Commission recommended that the President grant him mercy by postponing the execution of his punishment indefinitely, acknowledging his rehabilitation and long incarceration.
Shane Stevens was convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002 and has served nearly 22 years without any previous convictions. According to reports and evaluations from the FCS, Stevens showed significant progress during his time in prison, leading to a recommendation for a mercy decision, allowing for the postponement of his punishment for an undetermined period.
On September 18, 2024, the President acted on the Mercy Commission’s recommendations as mandated by Section 119(5) of the Constitution. The Commission affirmed that its decisions adhered to constitutional provisions.