Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa stated that there are no legal restrictions preventing George Speight from seeking mercy. Speight, known for his role in the 2000 coup, along with former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit leader Shane Stevens, was among seven individuals who received Presidential Pardons last Thursday.
Convicted of treason in 2001 after pleading guilty, Speight’s death sentence was converted to life imprisonment in 2002. He has now served 24 years, one month, and 23 days in prison, totaling 8,820 days, at both Nukulau Island and the Naboro Corrections Complex. He has no prior criminal history.
Nakarawa addressed the misconception that Speight was pardoned twice, clarifying that the circumstances surrounding the initial pardon were unique. He explained that the first pardon was not a direct application from Speight but rather a response to a legal issue, as no one had been sentenced to death for decades while the death penalty still existed in law. Although the government was moving towards abolishing the death penalty, the Cabinet’s approval had not yet reached Parliament, leading to a judicial ruling under a legal gap.
“The final decision lies with the Mercy Commission,” Nakarawa emphasized. He recounted Speight and Stevens’ emotional reactions upon receiving their pardons, noting their eagerness to rebuild their lives and initiate businesses based on the insights gained during their incarceration.
“They were emotional and happy as it has been quite a long time,” he remarked, urging the public to understand that the FCS is committed to doing its job to the best of its ability, processing matters in accordance with the law despite differing opinions.