Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed deep concerns regarding the release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup in Fiji, stating that it has created a wave of anxiety across the country. In a recent statement, Chaudhry, who leads the Fiji Labour Party, noted that Indo-Fijians were primarily victimized during the violence orchestrated by Speight and his associates.
Chaudhry emphasized that numerous innocent families in rural areas were traumatized and displaced from their homes and farms, becoming casualties of prolonged terror and brutality. He recounted how members of his government were held hostage in Parliament for 56 days, enduring threats, humiliation, and physical and psychological torment from rebel soldiers.
He questioned who would deliver justice for the victims of Speight’s actions, suggesting that any efforts toward freeing individuals guilty of treason and acts against humanity should have been preceded by a commitment to justice and reconciliation for those harmed. He described treason as a grave offense that warrants a mandatory life sentence, criticizing Speight’s release ahead of a Truth and Reconciliation process, which he believes reignites the grievances of 2000 without any prior healing.
Chaudhry articulated that this decision undermines the nation’s justice system and could have serious repercussions for national unity and public trust in the current government. He pointed out that Speight’s release was anticipated after the Prime Minister’s comments at a rally shortly before the 2022 general elections.
Reflecting on the government’s priorities since taking office, he remarked that it was only a matter of time before Speight was released, especially after the earlier liberation of his co-conspirators Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu about six months prior.
Now that Speight has regained his freedom, Chaudhry expressed hope that he will reveal the truth about the 2000 coup, citing past statements made by Speight in which he claimed not to have been the true leader or instigator of the coup. He referenced a statement Speight made during his sentencing in February 2002, where he suggested that if the police had been honest, he would have been “in very distinguished company” regarding the events surrounding the coup.
Chaudhry concluded by stating that if Speight genuinely feels remorse for the violence and havoc caused by his actions, he should at the very least disclose the truth about the events of 2000.