Crossbencher Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu has expressed his acknowledgment of the release of George Speight, a civilian coup leader. Mr. Bulitavu is the first MP from the G9 coalition to respond to Speight’s release, which was granted Presidential immunity on Thursday following a review by the Mercy Commission.
“He (Speight) has served his time! We need to move away from our past and seek restoration through reconciliation,” Mr. Bulitavu stated. He emphasized that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces are at the forefront of the reconciliation process, and Speight’s release marks a significant step in the right direction.
Mr. Bulitavu highlighted that only a few politicians, including those who have also served time, understand the necessity of granting fully rehabilitated prisoners a second chance. He pointed out the need for society to overcome its perceptions of former inmates, advocating for their acceptance after they have undergone rehabilitation through the Fiji Corrections Service.