Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed accusations of political interference regarding the pardons granted to George Speight, the 2000 coup leader, and Shane Stevens, the former leader of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW).
The inquiry came after members of his political party advocated for the two men’s release during campaign meetings for the People’s Alliance leading up to the 2022 General Election, with the latest discussions occurring on September 13.
Last Thursday, Speight and Stevens were among seven individuals who received a Presidential Pardon. Speight had been sentenced to death after pleading guilty to treason in 2002, but his sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment.
In a media statement yesterday, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that the Mercy Commission operates independently, clarifying that the decision to pardon the two men was made strictly by the commission following established procedures.
“The People’s Alliance stated that the 2013 Constitution and its various elements will function independently, including the prerogative of the Mercy Commission, free from any government influence,” Mr. Rabuka explained. He reiterated that the actions of the Mercy Commission were not influenced by any political entities or individuals within the government.