Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the key figure in the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of others involved in the coup’s planning. During a media interview, Rabuka addressed longstanding speculation linking him to the coup and a subsequent mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks, despite consistently denying any involvement.
Rabuka expressed that Speight’s silence has made him a victim for many years, saying, “We want him to tell the truth,” and emphasizing that his lack of communication has hindered Rabuka’s ability to clear his name regarding the coup.
Speight, during his sentencing in February 2002, suggested he did not act alone and claimed that a thorough police investigation would reveal that he would “be in very distinguished company on Nukulau, not only in numbers but in names as well.”
Recently, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons. Speight, who was convicted of treason, originally faced the death penalty, which was later commuted to a life sentence. After serving 24 years, including time on Nukulau Island and at Naboro Corrections, he has now been released.
Rabuka underscored that Speight’s release is significant for the government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, amplified these calls, insisting that Speight must expose the true orchestrators of the coup. Chaudhry remarked, “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” and stressed that Speight was not the real leader behind the events.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also emphasized that Speight’s release comes at a crucial time for uncovering the masterminds of the coup, expressing hope that the truth and reconciliation process remains politically impartial, focusing on both victims and perpetrators. He stated, “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” while noting that Speight has already faced consequences for his actions, contrasting that with the lack of accountability for others involved.