Convicted coup leader George Ilikini Naitini Speight, former Commander of the disbanded Counter Revolutionary Warfare Shane Stevens, and a businessman from Suva have all received presidential pardons from their prison sentences.
This decision follows the recommendations of the Mercy Commission, which was established under section 119(3) of Fiji’s Constitution, granting the authority to recommend the President to either grant a free or conditional pardon, delay the execution of a punishment, or remit all or part of a sentence for individuals convicted of criminal charges.
On September 11, 2024, the Mercy Commission reviewed a total of ten mercy petitions. After thorough discussions, the Commission made recommendations regarding the petitions of Mahendralal Patel, George Speight, Shane Stevens, and seven others.
Mahendralal Patel, also known as Mahendra Motibhai Patel, faced charges of Abuse of Office in 2006 and was convicted in absentia on November 20, 2014, receiving a 12-month prison sentence. An earlier petition for mercy was filed on April 4, 2023, but was rejected. On June 13, 2024, his lawyers submitted a letter requesting reconsideration of Patel’s petition. The Commission reviewed his case considering his age, lengthy absence from Fiji, and significant contributions to the nation, ultimately recommending a conditional pardon, provided he does not reoffend.
George Ilikini Naitini Speight was charged with treason and pleaded guilty in 2001, with his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment a year later. Having spent 24 years, one month, and 23 days in prison, Speight, who has no prior convictions, received positive behavior reports from the Fiji Corrections Services (FCS), which recommended his pardon. Psychological and judicial reviews corroborated these assessments, endorsing his reintegration into society. The Commission suggested that the President grant mercy to Speight by postponing the execution of his sentence indefinitely, acknowledging his rehabilitation and lengthy incarceration.
Shane Stevens was convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002 and has served a total of 21 years, eight months, and 20 days in Naboro Prison with no prior criminal record. FCS evaluations praised Stevens’ positive developments during his imprisonment, leading the Commission to recommend delayed punishment for him as well.
The President of Fiji acted on the Mercy Commission’s recommendations on September 18, 2024, affirming that the decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.