Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed claims of political involvement in the decision to pardon George Speight, who led the coup in 2000, and Shane Stevens, the former leader of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW).
These remarks follow inquiries by a local newspaper after members of Rabuka’s political party had called for the release of Speight and Stevens during campaign events for the People’s Alliance leading up to the 2022 General Election. The latest discussions took place on September 13.
Both Speight and Stevens were among seven individuals who received a Presidential Pardon last Thursday. Speight was found guilty of treason in 2002 and was initially sentenced to death, which was later changed to life imprisonment.
In a media briefing, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the independence of the Mercy Commission, stating that the decision to grant pardons was entirely within the commission’s authority and followed proper procedures.
“The People’s Alliance affirmed that the 2013 Constitution and its various structures would operate autonomously, including the prerogative of the Mercy Commission, which functions free of government influence,” Mr. Rabuka explained.
“It was the functioning, prerogative of the Mercy Commission,” he reiterated, asserting that the matter was unrelated to any governmental or political entities.