In September 2023, the Mercy Commission evaluated ten petitions for mercy and recommended actions on the cases of Mahendralal Patel, George Ilikini Naitini Speight, and Shane Gurt Nailatikau Stevens, among others.
According to the Commission’s statement, Mahendralal Patel, also known as Mahendra Motibhai Patel, faced charges of Abuse of Office in 2006 and was found guilty in absentia on November 20, 2014, receiving a 12-month prison sentence. His initial petition on April 4, 2023, was rejected. However, following a request from his legal team in June 2024 for reconsideration, the Commission reviewed the matter again, considering Patel’s age, his time spent abroad, and his significant contributions to the nation. Consequently, they recommended a conditional pardon for him, conditional on his not reoffending.
George Speight, who was charged with treason and entered a guilty plea in 2001, had his death sentence converted to life imprisonment in 2002. After serving 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days in various facilities, the Fiji Corrections Services provided favorable reports about Speight’s behavior, advocating for a pardon to recognize his rehabilitation and long-term imprisonment.
Similarly, Shane Stevens was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002 and has been imprisoned for 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days at Naboro Prison, without any prior convictions. The Commission also recommended Stevens be granted mercy by postponing his punishment for an indefinite period, based on positive evaluations from the Fiji Corrections Services.
On September 18, 2024, His Excellency the President implemented the Mercy Commission’s recommendations in accordance with the Constitutional provisions. The Commission, established under Section 119 of the Constitution, holds the authority to recommend actions such as offering pardons or postponing punishments for individuals convicted of criminal offenses.