Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the principal figure behind the 2000 coup, to disclose information about those who were involved in orchestrating the coup.
In a media interview conducted yesterday, Mr. Rabuka addressed long-standing speculation linking him to the events of the 2000 coup and the mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, despite his previous denials. He indicated that Speight’s refusal to speak out has left him unfairly implicated over the years.
“We want him to tell the truth,” Mr. Rabuka stated, adding, “I am one of those who have been victims of his silence.” He explained that Speight’s reticence has hindered his ability to be exonerated from allegations of involvement in the coup.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Mr. Speight suggested that he was not acting alone, stating to the media that a comprehensive police investigation would reveal he “would be in very distinguished company on Nukulau, not only in numbers but in names as well.”
Recently, on Thursday, Mr. Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens were granted presidential pardons. Speight, who was convicted of treason and originally sentenced to death, saw his sentence changed to life imprisonment and served 24 years, including time at Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections complex.
Prime Minister Rabuka also noted that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition Government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was a hostage during the coup, affirmed these sentiments last week, insisting that Speight must reveal the identities of the true instigators.
“If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is disclose the truth,” Mr. Chaudhry said, asserting that Speight was not the actual leader behind the coup events.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, emphasized that Speight’s release presents an opportunity to uncover the minds behind the coup. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would remain politically neutral, addressing both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” Mr. Narube remarked, noting that Speight has faced consequences for his actions, unlike other individuals involved who have yet to be held accountable.