Mosese Bulitavu, a Member of Parliament from the G9 crossbench group, has expressed his approval of the recent release of George Speight, a civilian coup leader. Bulitavu is the first MP from the G9 to comment on Speight’s release.
Speight was granted Presidential immunity on Thursday after the Mercy Commission reviewed his application on Wednesday. Bulitavu stated, “He [Speight] has served his time! We need to move away from our past and, through reconciliation, seek restoration.”
He emphasized that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is spearheading the reconciliation process, and he views Speight’s release as a significant step forward. “Only a few of us politicians who have also served time behind bars will understand why a fully rehabilitated prisoner deserves a second chance,” Bulitavu remarked.
He highlighted the need for society to change its perspective on individuals who have committed crimes and accepted them back after their rehabilitation through the Fiji Corrections Service.