The Mercy Commission convened on September 18, 2024, to review several petitions for mercy submitted by individuals including 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 approved by the President of Fiji under Section 119(5) of the Constitution. The pardons were officially granted on the same day.
As a result, these individuals were released from custody on September 19, 2024. However, James Sanjesh Goundar, who passed away 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 dedication to justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, emphasizing the important role of the Mercy Commission in evaluating clemency petitions.