Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the key figure behind the 2000 coup in Fiji, to disclose the identities of those who orchestrated the coup. In a recent media interview, Rabuka addressed the longstanding rumors that suggest his involvement in both the coup and the subsequent mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, despite his repeated denials.
Rabuka stated that Speight’s silence has left him unfairly accused for years. “We want him to tell the truth,” he emphasized, asserting that he has been a victim of Speight’s unwillingness to speak out. He expressed that Speight’s lack of transparency has hindered his ability to clear his name regarding the coup.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight had suggested that he was not acting alone, indicating that had the police conducted a thorough investigation, he would have found himself in the company of notable figures. On the other hand, last Thursday, Speight, along with former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens, received presidential pardons. Convicted of treason and initially sentenced to death, Speight’s punishment was later reduced to life imprisonment, and he served 24 years.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition government’s efforts toward truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, supported this call, insisting that Speight must reveal the true instigators behind the coup’s events. “If George Speight is genuinely remorseful for the devastation caused, he should at least provide the truth,” Chaudhry stated, emphasizing that Speight was not the real orchestrator of the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also mentioned that Speight’s pardon provides an opportunity to unearth the masterminds of the coup. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would be impartial, addressing both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must come to light,” Narube concluded, pointing out that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, many others involved have evaded punishment.