Convicted coup leader George Ilikini Naitini Speight, former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Commander Shane Stevens, and a Suva businessman have all received Presidential pardons, allowing them to reduce their jail time. This decision comes after the Mercy Commission, established under section 119(3) of the Fijian Constitution, reviewed numerous petitions. The Commission has the authority to recommend that the President grant free or conditional pardons, postpone sentences, or remit parts of punishments for those convicted of criminal offenses.
On September 11, 2024, the Mercy Commission assessed a total of ten petitions, including those from Mahendralal Patel, George Speight, Shane Stevens, and seven 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. His initial petition to the Mercy Commission on April 4, 2023, was rejected, but following a letter for reconsideration from his lawyers on June 13, 2024, the Commission reviewed his circumstances, including his age, absence from Fiji, and his contributions to the nation. The Commission then recommended a conditional pardon for Patel, provided he does not reoffend.
George Ilikini Naitini Speight was charged with treason and entered a guilty plea in 2001. His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2002, and he has served 24 years, one month, and 23 days. Speight has no prior convictions. The Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) presented positive reports about his behavior during imprisonment and supported his rehabilitation. The Commission advised that the President grant mercy to Speight by postponing his punishment for an indefinite period due to his rehabilitation and lengthy incarceration.
Shane Stevens, convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002, has spent 21 years, eight months, and 20 days in Naboro Prison without any previous convictions. The FCS recommended a pardon based on Stevens’ positive progress while incarcerated. The Commission subsequently recommended that Stevens be granted mercy by deferring the execution of his sentence indefinitely.
On September 18, 2024, the President acted on the Mercy Commission’s recommendations, affirming that all decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.