Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed deep concerns over the release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, stating that it has sparked widespread unease across the country. In his statement, Chaudhry emphasized that Indo-Fijians were primarily targeted during the violence and chaos orchestrated by Speight and his associates.
Chaudhry noted that countless innocent families in rural areas suffered from trauma, having been displaced from their homes and farms due to months of terror. He recalled that members of his government were held hostage in Parliament at gunpoint for 56 days, enduring threats, humiliation, and both physical and psychological torture at the hands of rebel soldiers.
He questioned who would seek justice for the innocent victims of Speight’s actions, arguing that any attempt to release those guilty of treason and serious crimes against humanity should have been preceded by efforts to provide justice and reconciliation for the victims. Chaudhry pointed out that treason is a grave offense carrying a mandatory life sentence. He expressed disappointment that Speight’s release occurred before a Truth and Reconciliation process, reopening wounds from 2000 without the necessary healing.
Chaudhry contended that this situation undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could lead to significant repercussions for national unity and public trust in the existing government. He noted that Speight’s release was anticipated due to an election promise made by the Prime Minister at a rally shortly before the 2022 general elections.
Reflecting on his government’s focus since taking office, Chaudhry stated it was only a matter of time before Speight was released, especially after the earlier freedom granted to his co-conspirators, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, just six months prior. Now that Speight is a free man, Chaudhry hopes he will share the truth about the 2000 coup, reiterating that Speight has claimed from the outset that he was not the true leader or instigator of the coup.
Chaudhry concluded by urging Speight to demonstrate genuine remorse for the violence and devastation his actions caused by revealing the truth about the events of 2000.