Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup in Fiji, to come forward and disclose the identities of those who orchestrated the coup. In a recent media interview, Rabuka addressed long-standing speculations linking him to both the coup and the mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, despite his repeated denials.
Rabuka stated that Speight’s silence has positioned him as a victim for many years. “We want him to tell the truth,” he emphasized, explaining that Speight’s lack of disclosure has hindered his ability to clear his name from allegations related to the coup.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested he was not acting alone and indicated that a thorough police investigation could have revealed other significant figures involved in the coup. Last Thursday, he and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens were granted presidential pardons. Speight, who was initially sentenced to death for treason, had his penalty commuted to life imprisonment, serving 24 years in total, including time in Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections complex.
Rabuka noted that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, also urged Speight to reveal the true instigators behind the events. “If George Speight is really remorseful for the devastation he has caused, the least he can do is share the truth,” Chaudhry remarked, maintaining that Speight was not the mastermind of the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Speight’s release presents an opportunity to uncover the identities of the actual perpetrators. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would remain politically neutral, focusing equally on victims and perpetrators. “To ensure the success of this process, the truth must come to light,” Narube concluded, acknowledging that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, others involved have not yet been held accountable.