Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, to disclose information about others involved in the coup’s planning. In a recent media interview, Rabuka addressed longstanding speculation linking him to both the coup and the subsequent mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, despite his repeated denials.
Rabuka expressed that Speight’s silence has left him wrongly implicated for years, stating, “We want him to tell the truth. I am one of those who have been victims of his silence.” He emphasized that Speight’s lack of communication has prevented him from clearing his name regarding the 2000 coup.
In his 2002 sentencing, Speight alluded to the possibility of others being involved, suggesting that a thorough investigation by authorities could have placed him among “very distinguished company” regarding those responsible for the coup.
Recently, Speight, along with former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens, received presidential pardons. After initially being sentenced to death for treason, Speight had his punishment changed to life imprisonment, serving a total of 24 years.
Rabuka highlighted that Speight’s release is crucial for the government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was a hostage during the coup, also called for Speight to name those truly responsible, asserting that if Speight feels remorse for the destruction caused, honesty is essential.
Savenaca Narube, the leader of Unity Fiji, reinforced that Speight’s release could not come at a more pivotal time for unearthing the identities of the coup’s architects. He emphasized that for the reconciliation process to work effectively, it must be impartial and focus on both victims and perpetrators, stating, “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail.” Narube added that while Speight has faced consequences, others involved have not faced similar repercussions.