Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed claims of political interference regarding the pardoning of George Speight, the 2000 coup leader, and Shane Stevens, the former leader of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW).
This response comes after members of Rabuka’s political party publicly called for their release during campaign events for the People’s Alliance leading up to the 2022 General Election, with the latest discussion occurring on September 13.
Last Thursday, Speight and Stevens were among seven individuals who received Presidential Pardons. Speight, who was charged with treason and pleaded guilty in 2002, had his death sentence later converted to life imprisonment.
In a press conference yesterday, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the independence of the Mercy Commission, asserting that the pardoning of the two men was entirely within the commission’s authority and followed due process.
“The People’s Alliance indicated that the 2013 Constitution and its various structures would operate autonomously, including the prerogative of the Mercy Commission, which functions independently of governmental influence,” Mr. Rabuka stated.
He further reiterated that the decision was solely the prerogative of the Mercy Commission and had no ties to any governmental or political influences.