Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed deep concern following the release of George Speight, the leader behind the 2000 coup in Fiji. Chaudhry, who leads the Fiji Labour Party, stated that this development has triggered widespread anxiety across the nation.
In his remarks, Chaudhry highlighted that Indo-Fijians were primarily targeted during the violence and chaos orchestrated by Speight and his associates. He recounted the suffering of numerous innocent families in rural areas who experienced trauma and were forced to flee their homes and farms due to months of terror.
Chaudhry also pointed out that members of his government were held hostage in Parliament for 56 days while facing threats, humiliation, and both physical and psychological abuse from rebel soldiers. He questioned who would ensure justice for the innocent victims of Speight’s actions, emphasizing that any discussions about releasing those guilty of treason should first involve efforts to provide justice and reconciliation to the victims.
He criticized Speight’s release as undermining the nation’s pursuit of justice and warned of its potential detrimental effects on national unity and public trust in the current government. Chaudhry noted that Speight’s release was anticipated following an election promise made by the Prime Minister during a rally in Nasinu prior to the 2022 elections.
Furthermore, he explained that given the government’s priorities since taking office, it was inevitable that Speight would be released, especially after the earlier liberation of his accomplices, Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu, just six months prior.
Now that Speight is free, Chaudhry expressed hope that he would finally reveal the truth about the 2000 coup, recalling that Speight had previously claimed he was not the true leader behind the coup actions. He referenced Speight’s comments during his sentencing in February 2002, suggesting that he would have shared company with other influential figures if the police had been honest about the evidence against him.
Chaudhry concluded by suggesting that if Speight truly feels remorse for the violent upheaval caused by his actions, he should take the opportunity to disclose the truth about the events of 2000.