Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the figure at the center of the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those responsible for orchestrating the coup. In a media interview yesterday, Rabuka addressed ongoing speculation about his involvement in both the coup and a mutiny within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, despite consistently denying such allegations.
Rabuka stated that Speight’s silence has left him unfairly victimized over the years. He emphasized, “We want him to tell the truth,” adding that he has been a victim of Speight’s lack of disclosure regarding the events of 2000.
During his trial in February 2002, Speight suggested he did not act alone, indicating that a proper police investigation would have revealed that he was not the only one involved in the coup.
Recently, Speight, who faced treason charges and initially received a death sentence that was later commuted to life imprisonment, was granted a presidential pardon after serving 24 years in prison.
Rabuka highlighted Speight’s release as significant in the coalition government’s efforts toward truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, echoed calls for Speight to reveal the true instigators behind the events. He stated, “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” while asserting that Speight was not the true leader among those involved in the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also commented on the relevance of Speight’s release in identifying the coup’s masterminds. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would remain politically neutral, addressing both victims and perpetrators, insisting that “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail.” Narube noted that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, others involved have not faced similar accountability.