Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed claims of political interference in the recent pardoning of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW) leader Shane Stevens.
This inquiry followed public support from members of Rabuka’s political party during campaign meetings for the People’s Alliance as the 2022 General Election approached, with discussions ongoing since September 13.
Speight and Stevens were among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon last Thursday. Speight was charged with treason and had initially pleaded guilty in 2002, with his death sentence later commuted to life imprisonment.
In a press address, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the independent nature of the Mercy Commission, stating that the pardons were executed through proper procedures and without government interference.
“The People’s Alliance has asserted that the 2013 Constitution and its related functions operate independently, including the prerogative of the Mercy Commission, which remains unaffected by government influence,” Rabuka explained.
“It is solely the domain of the Mercy Commission,” he affirmed, adding, “This has nothing to do with any government or political agenda.”