Convicted coup leader George Ilikini Naitini Speight, former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Commander Shane Stevens, and a businessman from Suva have all received presidential pardons, resulting in their release from prison.
This action follows the recommendations of the Mercy Commission, which operates under section 119(3) of the Constitution of Fiji. The Commission has the authority to advise the President to grant either a free or conditional pardon, delay the execution of a punishment for a specific or indefinite period, or to remit all or part of a sentence for individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses.
On September 11, 2024, the Mercy Commission reviewed ten mercy petitions. After careful consideration, it made recommendations regarding the petitions submitted by Mahendralal Patel, George Speight, Shane Stevens, and several 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. He previously submitted a petition to the Commission on April 4, 2023, which was dismissed. However, on June 13, 2024, his lawyers requested a reconsideration of Patel’s petition. The Commission evaluated his age, the time he spent away from Fiji, and his significant contributions to the nation, ultimately recommending a conditional pardon provided he does not commit any further offenses.
George Ilikini Naitini Speight pleaded guilty to treason in 2001 and initially received a death sentence, which was later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. Having served 24 years, one month, and 23 days in total—equating to 8,820 days—at both Nukulau Island and Naboro Correction Facility, Speight has no prior convictions. Positive behavior reports from Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) along with psychological and judicial assessments have led to a recommendation for a pardon, recognizing his rehabilitation and long-term incarceration. The Commission has advised that the President grant mercy to Speight by postponing the execution of his punishment indefinitely.
Shane Stevens was convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002 and has served 21 years, eight months, and 20 days in Naboro Prison without any previous convictions. The FCS evaluated his behavior and progress during imprisonment, recommending a pardon for him as well. Following thorough review, the Commission has suggested that Stevens be granted mercy through a postponement of his punishment for an indefinite duration.
The President has acted on the Mercy Commission’s recommendations as of September 18, 2024, confirming that the decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.