Crossbench MP Mosese Bulitavu has expressed his support for the recent release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 civilian coup. Bulitavu is the first member of the G9 group to comment on Speight’s release.
Speight was granted presidential immunity on Thursday after the Mercy Commission reviewed his application the previous day. Bulitavu stated, “He (Speight) has served his time! We need to move away from our past and seek restoration through reconciliation.”
He also highlighted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is leading the reconciliation process, calling Speight’s release a significant step forward. Bulitavu emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of rehabilitated prisoners, noting that “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 stressed the need to change societal perceptions, stating that those outside prison must help dismantle the “second prison,” which is the lingering stigma surrounding criminal behavior, and welcome reintegrated individuals back into society after their rehabilitation.