Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the orchestrator of the 2000 coup, to disclose information about others involved in the coup’s planning. In a recent media interview, Mr. Rabuka addressed long-standing speculation concerning his involvement in the coup and the mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, which he has consistently denied. He stated that Speight’s continued silence has left him unjustly positioned as a victim.
“We want him to tell the truth,” Mr. Rabuka emphasized, noting that Speight’s lack of disclosure has hindered his ability to clear his name regarding allegations of involvement in the coup. During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested he was not acting alone and indicated that a proper investigation could have revealed other significant players alongside him.
Last Thursday, Speight, along with former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens, received presidential pardons. Convicted of treason and initially sentenced to death, Speight’s sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. After serving 24 years, which included time on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Corrections complex, he has now been released.
The Prime Minister noted that Speight’s pardon is crucial for the coalition Government’s truth and reconciliation initiatives. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, also called for Speight to identify the true instigators behind the coup. “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” Mr. Chaudhry stated, emphasizing that Speight was not the actual leader of the events.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, added that Speight’s release presents an opportune moment to uncover the masterminds of the coup. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would be impartial, addressing the experiences of both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” he concluded, pointing out that unlike other guilty individuals, Speight has already faced consequences for his actions.