Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, has voiced his support for the release of political prisoners, including coup leader George Speight and former military officer Shane Stevens, who were released from jail this week. Ratu Viliame expressed relief that both individuals had served more than their allotted sentences.
He noted that there has been considerable debate surrounding the potential for Speight’s release, but ultimately stated that the judicial system conducted itself correctly and that the punishments were proportional to the crimes committed.
Ratu Viliame emphasized that when prison sentences are fulfilled, individuals should be allowed to reintegrate into society for the sake of their personal reform. He maintained that it’s essential to respect court decisions, regardless of the severity of the offenses, since judges are the experts in this matter.
He argued that if a legal basis for continued imprisonment does not exist, individuals should not remain incarcerated. Ratu Viliame described holding someone in prison beyond their sentencing as a form of injustice, underscoring that this principle applies to all, including George Speight, who he believes has served his time and should be released.