Mosese Bulitavu, a member of the G9 bloc in Parliament, has expressed his support for the recent release of George Speight, the civilian leader behind the coup in Fiji. Bulitavu is the first G9 MP to comment on Speight’s release.
Speight was granted Presidential immunity on Thursday, following the Mercy Commission’s review of his application on Wednesday. Bulitavu stated, “He (Speight) has served his time! We need to move away from our past and seek restoration through reconciliation.”
He highlighted the efforts of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in the reconciliation process and described Speight’s release as a significant step forward. “Only a few of us politicians, who have also served time behind bars, understand why a fully rehabilitated prisoner deserves a second chance,” Bulitavu remarked.
He further emphasized the need to change societal perceptions of those who have been incarcerated, noting that acceptance and reintegration should follow their rehabilitation through the Fiji Corrections Service.