Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed strong disapproval of George Speight’s release from prison. Speight, who led the civilian coup in 2000, was among seven individuals granted a Presidential Pardon on Thursday following a review by the Mercy Commission.
In May 2000, Speight orchestrated a takeover of Parliament, resulting in the removal of the democratically elected government led by Chaudhry. This coup led to months of chaos and violence in Fiji, causing widespread fear among the population, particularly among Indo-Fijians, who were primary targets during the turmoil. Chaudhry emphasized the trauma inflicted on countless innocent families in rural areas, many of whom were forced to flee their homes due to the violence instigated by Speight and his followers. He also recounted the harrowing experience of Chaudhry’s government members, who were held hostage in Parliament for 56 days, enduring threats and torture.
Chaudhry raised concerns about the impact of this pardon on justice for the victims of Speight’s actions, arguing that the release should have been contingent upon efforts to achieve accountability and reconciliation for those harmed. He highlighted that treason is a grave offense, warranting a life sentence, and expressed disappointment that Speight’s release occurred without a preceding truth and reconciliation process.
Chaudhry criticized the current government’s priorities, suggesting that Speight’s release was anticipated given recent actions, including the pardoning of his accomplices Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu last December. He urged that Speight, now a free man, should come forward with the truth regarding the events of the 2000 coup, noting that Speight has previously claimed he was not the main instigator of the uprising.
Chaudhry believes that if Speight feels remorse for the devastation caused, he should take responsibility by disclosing the full truth about the coup’s impact on the nation.