Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa stated that there is no legal barrier preventing George Speight from applying for clemency. Speight, who was a key figure in the 2000 coup, along with former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit leader Shane Stevens, was among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon last Thursday.
In 2001, Speight was charged with treason and pleaded guilty, resulting in his death sentence being commuted to life imprisonment in 2002. He has spent a total of 24 years, one month, and 23 days in custody—8820 days—at both Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections Complex, with no prior criminal record.
Nakarawa addressed the misconception that Speight has already received two pardons. He clarified that the first pardon was not a formal application from Speight but was instead a legal remedy due to the government’s efforts to abolish the death penalty, which was still legally recognized at that time.
He explained that while the Cabinet had approved the abolition, it had not yet been passed by Parliament, leading to a unique legal situation. “The final decision lies with the Mercy Commission,” he added.
Nakarawa noted that both Speight and Stevens were emotional upon learning about their pardons, expressing a desire to start anew and launch businesses based on the lessons they learned during their incarceration. He encouraged the public to understand that the corrections service is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities within the bounds of the law, despite varying opinions.