The Mercy Commission has confirmed that the decision to pardon seven inmates, including George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, was made in accordance with constitutional provisions.
In an official statement, the Commission noted that the President acted based on its recommendations as outlined in Section 119(5) of the Constitution.
Established under Section 119(3), the Mercy Commission holds the authority to recommend to the President of Fiji the granting of a free or conditional pardon, the postponement of a punishment for a designated period, or the remission of all or part of a punishment for individuals convicted of criminal offenses.
The commission based its recommendation for Speight’s release on favorable reports from the Fiji Corrections Services regarding his behavior, which advocated for a pardon. Additionally, psychological and judicial evaluations were conducted, with the FCS endorsing his reintegration into society.
The Commission advised the President to grant mercy to Speight, delaying his punishment indefinitely in acknowledgment of his rehabilitation and the extensive time served in prison.
Speight was charged with treason and entered a guilty plea in 2001. His death sentence was reduced to life imprisonment in 2002. He has been incarcerated for nearly 24 years, amounting to 8,820 days, at both Nukulau Island and the Naboro Correction Facility, and he has no prior convictions.
In a related case, Shane Stevens, who was convicted of incitement to mutiny in 2002, has been imprisoned for 21 years, totaling 7,934 days at Naboro Prison. Reports from the FCS also recommended Stevens for a pardon, highlighting his positive developments during his incarceration.