Mosese Bulitavu, a crossbencher member of parliament from the G9, has expressed support for the release of George Speight, the civilian leader involved in the coup. Bulitavu is the first member of the G9 to respond to Speight’s release, which came after he was granted Presidential immunity on Thursday by the Mercy Commission, following a review of his application.
Bulitavu stated, “He (Speight) has served his time! We need to move away from our past and seek restoration through reconciliation.” He noted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is taking the lead in the reconciliation process, and Speight’s release marks a significant step in that direction.
He emphasized that only a few politicians who have also experienced incarceration can fully appreciate why a rehabilitated prisoner deserves another chance. Bulitavu urged society to overcome its perception of past crimes and accept those who have completed the rehabilitation process through the Fiji Corrections Service.