Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the orchestrator of the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those who were involved in the coup’s planning. In a media interview, Rabuka mentioned that speculation has persistently suggested his connection to the coup and the subsequent mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, despite his repeated denials.
Rabuka expressed that Speight’s silence has left him portrayed as a victim for many years. “We want him to tell the truth,” he stated, emphasizing that he has been adversely affected by Speight’s lack of transparency.
He made it clear that Speight’s unwillingness to speak has obstructed his efforts to clear his name regarding the 2000 coup. During Speight’s sentencing in February 2002, he hinted at not acting alone, suggesting that a thorough investigation might reveal other significant figures involved.
Recently, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons. Convicted of treason and initially facing a death sentence, Speight had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment and ultimately served 24 years.
Rabuka also noted that Speight’s release is crucial to the coalition government’s efforts towards truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was a hostage during the coup, echoed Rabuka’s calls, insisting that Speight must identify the true instigators behind the events.
“If George Speight is genuinely remorseful for the havoc caused, the least he can do is disclose the truth,” Chaudhry asserted, maintaining that Speight was not the genuine leader of those events.
Leader of Unity Fiji, Savenaca Narube, added that Speight’s release comes at a critical moment for uncovering the coup’s masterminds. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process will remain politically neutral, addressing the experiences of both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” Narube stated, noting that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, others involved in the coup have not been held accountable.