Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed allegations of political interference in the recent pardoning of George Speight, who led the coup in 2000, and Shane Stevens, a former leader of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW).
The inquiries arose after supporters of Rabuka’s political party called for their release during campaign meetings leading up to the 2022 General Election, with discussions including a notable meeting on September 13. Both Speight and Stevens were among seven individuals who received Presidential Pardons last Thursday.
Speight, who was charged with treason, pleaded guilty in 2002 and originally faced a death sentence that was later commuted to life imprisonment.
In a media statement yesterday, Rabuka emphasized the independence of the Mercy Commission, which is responsible for granting pardons, stating that the decisions regarding Speight and Stevens were made solely based on due process by the commission.
“The People’s Alliance has affirmed that the 2013 Constitution and its institutions can operate freely, including the prerogative of the Mercy Commission, which works independently of governmental influence,” Rabuka explained.
He reiterated, “This was an action of the Mercy Commission and had nothing to do with any government or political interference.”