The Mercy Commission convened on September 18, 2024, to review mercy petitions from several individuals. The petitioners included Sekina Vosavakatini, Nioni Tagici, James Sanjesh Goundar, Adi Livini Radininausori, John Miller, George Speight, and Shane Stevens.
After thorough deliberations, the Commission made recommendations for mercy, which were subsequently approved by His Excellency, the President of Fiji, under Section 119(5) of the Constitution. Pardons were formally granted to all individuals on September 18, 2024.
As a result, these individuals were officially released from custody on September 19, 2024. However, it is notable that James Sanjesh Goundar, who died on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, did not benefit from the pardon in time.
The Fiji Correction Service and the government reaffirm their commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, emphasizing the crucial role the Mercy Commission plays in evaluating clemency petitions with careful consideration of each case’s unique circumstances.