Mosese Bulitavu, a Member of Parliament from the G9 party, has welcomed the release of George Speight, the civilian coup leader, who was recently granted Presidential immunity. Bulitavu is the first G9 MP to comment on Speight’s release.
Speight’s immunity was approved on Thursday after the Mercy Commission reviewed his application. Bulitavu emphasized the importance of moving beyond past grievances and pursuing reconciliation, stating, “He (Speight) has served his time! We need to move away from our past and, through reconciliation, seek restoration.”
He noted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is spearheading the reconciliation process and described Speight’s release as a significant step in the right direction. Bulitavu also reflected on the understanding that comes from shared experiences, stating, “Only a few of us politicians who have also served time behind bars will understand why a fully rehabilitated prisoner deserves a second chance.”
He urged society to adjust its perspective on former offenders, highlighting the importance of reintegrating individuals who have completed the rehabilitation process offered by the Fiji Corrections Service.