Convicted coup leader George Ilikini Naitini Speight, former Commander of the disbanded Counter Revolutionary Warfare Shane Stevens, and a Suva businessman have all been granted presidential pardons, allowing them to avoid serving jail time.
This decision follows a review by the Mercy Commission, which operates under section 119(3) of the Constitution of Fiji. This commission has the authority to recommend that the President grant free or conditional pardons, postpone punishments for certain periods, or remit portions of sentences for individuals convicted of crimes.
On September 11, 2024, the Mercy Commission evaluated ten petitions for mercy. After thorough consideration, it made recommendations on the petitions of Mahendralal Patel, George Speight, Shane Stevens, and seven others.
Mahendralal Patel, also referred to as Mahendra Motibhai Patel, was charged with Abuse of Office in 2006 and was convicted in absentia on November 20, 2014, receiving a 12-month prison sentence. His initial petition to the Mercy Commission, submitted on April 4, 2023, was denied. Following a letter from his lawyers seeking reconsideration on June 13, 2024, the Commission assessed his age, the duration of his absence from Fiji, and his contributions to the nation. Consequently, they recommended a conditional pardon, provided he does not reoffend.
George Ilikini Naitini Speight faced treason charges and, after pleading guilty in 2001, had his death sentence converted to life imprisonment the following year. Having spent 24 years, one month, and 23 days in prison—amounting to 8,820 days—he has maintained a clean record during his incarceration. Reports from Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) commended Speight’s behavior and recommended a pardon. After reviewing psychological and judicial evaluations, the Commission suggested that the President grant mercy to Speight by postponing his punishment indefinitely, acknowledging his rehabilitation and lengthy imprisonment.
Shane Stevens was convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002 and has served 21 years, eight months, and 20 days in Naboro Prison without any prior convictions. Evaluations from FCS noted his positive progress in prison, leading the Commission to recommend mercy for him as well, suggesting the postponement of his punishment for an unspecified duration.
Additionally, the President has acted upon the Mercy Commission’s recommendations as outlined in Section 119(5) of the Constitution, effective September 18, 2024. The Commission affirmed that its determinations were made in accordance with constitutional provisions.