The Mercy Commission has announced that the decision to grant pardons to seven inmates, including the 2000 coup leader George Speight, was made in accordance with the Constitution.
In their statement, the Commission clarified that the President acted based on their recommendations under Section 119(5) of the Constitution. The Commission, established under Section 119(3), holds the authority to propose that the President of Fiji grant either a free or conditional pardon, suspend a punishment for a specified or indefinite duration, or remit all or part of a sentence for individuals convicted of a criminal offense.
The recommendation for Speight’s release came after the Fiji Corrections Services submitted positive reports regarding his behavior in prison. Evaluations, both psychological and judicial, supported his reintegration into society. The Commission advised that the President postpone Speight’s punishment indefinitely due to his rehabilitation progress and the lengthy period he has already served.
Speight was charged with treason and pled guilty in 2001. His death sentence was converted to life imprisonment in 2002. He has spent a total of 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days imprisoned, amounting to 8,820 days, first on Nukulau Island and later at the Naboro Correction Facility. Notably, he had no prior convictions.
In another case, Shane Stevens was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002 and has been incarcerated for 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days, or 7,934 days, at Naboro Prison. The recommendations from the Fiji Corrections Services also supported Stevens for a pardon, highlighting his significant progress during his time in prison.