Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed deep concern over the release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, which he claims has created widespread unease across the nation.
In a recent statement, the leader of the Fiji Labour Party highlighted that Indo-Fijians were primarily targeted during the violence orchestrated by Speight and his associates. Chaudhry recounted the trauma inflicted on countless innocent families in rural areas, who were forced from their homes and farms due to months of terror and brutality.
He further emphasized the ordeal faced by members of his government, who were held hostage in Parliament at gunpoint for 56 days, during which they were subjected to threats, humiliation, and severe physical and psychological abuse at the hands of rebel soldiers.
Chaudhry questioned who would bring justice to the innocent victims of Speight’s actions, asserting that any attempts to absolve those guilty of treason and heinous crimes against humanity should first prioritize justice and reconciliation for the victims. He remarked that treason is a grave offense that warrants a mandatory life sentence and expressed disappointment that Speight’s release occurred ahead of a Truth and Reconciliation process, thus reigniting outrage over the events of 2000 without the necessary healing.
He noted that this situation undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could have detrimental effects on national unity and public confidence in the current government. Chaudhry pointed out that Speight’s release was anticipated, referencing an election promise made by the Prime Minister shortly before the 2022 general elections.
The former Prime Minister indicated that given his government’s priorities since taking office, it was only a matter of time before Speight was released, especially following the earlier release of co-conspirators Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu just six months prior.
Now that Speight is free, Chaudhry hopes he will uncover the truth regarding the 2000 coup, noting that Speight has consistently claimed he was not the true leader or instigator of the events. He recalled that during his sentencing in February 2002, Speight implied that if the police had been honest, many others, alongside him, would share the same fate.
Chaudhry concluded by stating that if George Speight genuinely regrets the violence and destruction his actions caused, he should at least seek to reveal the truth about the events of 2000.