Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those involved in orchestrating the coup. In a recent media interview, Mr. Rabuka addressed long-standing speculations linking him to the coup and the subsequent mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, which he has consistently denied.
Mr. Rabuka expressed that Speight’s silence has made him a victim for many years, stating, “We want him to tell the truth. I am one of those who have been victims of his silence.” He emphasized that Speight’s lack of disclosure has hindered his ability to clear himself of the alleged involvement in the coup.
During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested that he was not acting alone, indicating that if a thorough investigation had been conducted, he would have shared his confinement on Nukulau Island with other notable figures.
On Thursday, Mr. Speight and former captain of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit, Shane Stevens, received presidential pardons. Speight, who was initially sentenced to death, had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment and served 24 years, including time spent on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Corrections complex.
The Prime Minister 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, echoed the sentiment by insisting that Speight must reveal the true instigators of the events. He remarked, “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” asserting that Speight was not the actual leader behind the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also remarked that Speight’s release presents an opportunity to uncover the masterminds behind the coup. He emphasized the importance of a politically neutral truth and reconciliation process that considers both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” Mr. Narube stated, adding that while Speight has faced consequences for his actions, others involved have not been held accountable.