Crossbencher Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu has responded to the release of George Speight, the civilian coup leader, who has been granted Presidential immunity. Bulitavu is the first MP from the G9 group to comment on Speight’s release, which came after the Mercy Commission reviewed his application.
“He has served his time! We need to move away from our past and seek restoration through reconciliation,” Bulitavu stated. He noted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is spearheading the reconciliation process and described Speight’s release as a significant step forward.
Bulitavu, who himself has experience serving time in prison, emphasized the importance of providing rehabilitated prisoners with a second chance. “For those of us outside the walls of prison, we need to unlock the second prison, which is society’s perception of the crimes committed and to accept them back after they have undergone the rehabilitation process offered by the Fiji Corrections Service,” he added.