The Mercy Commission has stated that the decision to pardon seven prisoners, including George Speight, the leader of the 2000 Coup, was made in accordance with the Constitution.
In an official statement, the Commission indicated that the President acted on their recommendations under Section 119(5) of the Constitution. The Mercy Commission, established under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, is empowered to advise the President of Fiji on matters such as granting a free or conditional pardon, postponing a punishment, or remitting part or all of a punishment for individuals convicted of a criminal offense.
Regarding Speight’s release, the Fiji Corrections Services provided positive behavior reports, recommending a pardon. Psychological and judicial assessments were reviewed, with support from the FCS for Speight’s reintegration into society.
The Commission recommended that the President grant mercy to Speight by postponing the execution of his punishment indefinitely, recognizing his rehabilitation and the duration he has already served.
Speight was charged with treason and pleaded guilty in 2001. His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2002, and he has been incarcerated for 24 years, 1 month, and 23 days, totaling 8,820 days, at both Nukulau Island and Naboro Correction Facility. He had no prior convictions.
Additionally, Shane Stevens, who was convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002, has been in prison for 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days, amounting to 7,934 days at Naboro Prison. Reports from the FCS also recommended Stevens for a pardon, citing his positive progress during his time in prison.