The Mercy Commission convened on September 18, 2024, to review mercy petitions submitted by several individuals, including Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, John Miller, George Speight, and Shane Stevens. After thorough deliberation, the Commission made recommendations for mercy, which were accepted by His Excellency, the President of Fiji. Acting under Section 119(5) of the Constitution, pardons were granted to all petitioners on the same day.
Consequently, these individuals were officially released from custody on September 19, 2024. However, it is important to note that James Sanjesh Goundar, who died on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, was unable to benefit from the pardon.
The Fiji Correction Service and the government remain dedicated to upholding the principles of justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law. The Mercy Commission continues to play a crucial role in carefully considering each clemency petition.