Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed concern over the release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, stating that it has generated fears across the nation. In a public statement, Chaudhry emphasized that Indo-Fijians were disproportionately affected by the violence perpetrated by Speight and his supporters.
He noted that numerous innocent families in rural areas suffered trauma, being forced to abandon their homes and farms due to months of terror. Chaudhry recounted the harrowing experience of his government members who were held hostage in Parliament at gunpoint for 56 days, enduring threats, humiliation, and physical and psychological torture at the hands of rebel soldiers.
Chaudhry questioned who would deliver justice to the victims of Speight’s actions. He criticized any moves to release those convicted of treason and other grave crimes that should have been accompanied by efforts to achieve justice and reconciliation for the innocent victims affected.
He pointed out that treason is a serious offense that typically warrants a life sentence, and Speight’s release before a Truth and Reconciliation process has reopened the wounds of 2000 without the necessary healing. He warned that this development undermines the nation’s sense of justice and could have serious implications for national unity and public trust in the current government.
Chaudhry mentioned that the release of Speight was anticipated due to a campaign promise made by the Prime Minister shortly before the 2022 general elections. He highlighted that, given the government’s priorities, Speight’s freedom was inevitable following the earlier release of his co-conspirators Joe Nata and Timoci Silatolu just six months ago.
Now that Speight is no longer incarcerated, Chaudhry expressed hope that he would finally disclose the full truth about the events surrounding the 2000 coup, reiterating that Speight has always claimed he was not the actual leader or instigator of the coup. Chaudhry recalled that during his sentencing in February 2002, Speight had suggested that if the police had been genuine, he would have been in good company among those imprisoned.
The former Prime Minister concluded by stating that if Speight genuinely regrets the violence and destruction caused by his actions, he should at least seek to reveal the truth about the events of 2000.