Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, to come forward and disclose the identities of those who played a role in orchestrating the coup. In a media interview, Mr. Rabuka expressed that speculation has long associated him with the coup and the subsequent mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks, despite his repeated denials.
Mr. Rabuka stated that Speight’s continued silence has made him a victim over the years. “We want him to tell the truth,” he said, adding that his silence has obstructed Rabuka’s efforts to clear his name concerning any alleged involvement in the coup.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested that he was not operating alone and indicated that a thorough police investigation could reveal that he was not the only significant figure involved. Last Thursday, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons.
Convicted of treason and originally sentenced to death, Speight’s sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment, during which he served 24 years, including time at Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections complex.
Mr. Rabuka emphasized that Speight’s release is crucial to the ruling coalition’s efforts toward truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was held hostage during the coup, reiterated the request for Speight to unveil the true orchestrators of the events. “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” Chaudhry said, asserting that Speight was never the actual leader behind the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also indicated that Speight’s release presents an opportunity to expose the mastermind behind the coup. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation initiative would remain politically neutral, addressing the concerns of both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” he commented, noting that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, others involved have not been held accountable.