George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, and mutineer Shane Stevens have been released following presidential pardons. They, along with eight others, received their pardons from President Ratu Willame Katonivere, based on recommendations from the Mercy Commission.
The Mercy Commission, which operates under Section 119(3) of the Constitution, can recommend the president to grant various forms of pardons, postpone punishments, or remit parts or all of a punishment for convicted individuals. Attempts to reach Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, for comment were unsuccessful, as he is currently in Hawaii. However, the pardons for Speight and Stevens may align with the Military’s reconciliation and restoration program.
On September 11, the Commission reviewed ten mercy petitions and recommended the release of the following individuals:
– George Speight
– Shane Stevens
– Sekina Vosavakatini
– Nioni Tagici
– James Sanjesh Goundar
– Adi Livini Radininausori
– John Miller
– Mahendra Lal Patel
The Commission confirmed that its decisions were made in accordance with the Constitution.
George Speight was convicted of treason in 2001 and initially sentenced to death, which was reduced to life imprisonment in 2002. He has served over 24 years in custody, with positive reports regarding his behavior from Fiji Corrections Services leading to the recommendation for his pardon based on his rehabilitation.
Shane Stevens was convicted of inciting mutiny in 2002 and has served almost 22 years. With no previous convictions and positive evaluations from the corrections services, his case for pardon was similarly supported by the Commission.
Mahendra Lal Patel, who was convicted of abuse of office in 2006 and sentenced in absentia to 12 months’ imprisonment in 2014, received a conditional pardon after his second petition was reviewed in June 2024. His age, time spent outside Fiji, and contributions to the nation were taken into account in the Commission’s recommendation.
Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that the process for issuing the pardons followed the appropriate procedures. The Mercy Commission reviews prisoners’ petitions, which are then submitted to the President for final approval.