Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, to disclose the names of those who were involved in orchestrating the coup. In a media interview, Rabuka addressed the longstanding speculation linking him to the coup and a subsequent mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks. Despite denying these allegations, he expressed that Speight’s silence has cast him as a victim for years.
Rabuka emphasized the need for transparency, saying, “We want him to tell the truth. I am one of those who have been victims of his silence.” He noted that Speight’s lack of clarity has hindered his own attempts to clear his name regarding the coup’s events.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested that he was not acting alone, indicating that a thorough police investigation might reveal high-profile individuals involved. Following a presidential pardon last Thursday, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens were released. Speight, who had been convicted of treason and originally sentenced to death, served 24 years, including time in a correctional facility.
Rabuka remarked that Speight’s release plays a crucial role in the coalition government’s efforts towards truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, also called for Speight to uncover the identities of the true instigators. He stated that if Speight genuinely feels remorse for the turmoil caused, he should reveal the truth, asserting that Speight was never the actual leader behind the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Speight’s release offers an opportunity to identify the masterminds behind the coup. He hopes that the truth and reconciliation process will remain politically neutral and address the experiences of both victims and perpetrators. Narube concluded by stressing the importance of truth for the success of the process, noting that Speight has faced consequences for his actions, unlike other participants who remain unaccountable.