Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged George Speight, the key figure behind the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those who were involved in orchestrating the events of that time. In a recent media interview, Mr. Rabuka addressed long-standing speculation regarding his alleged connection to the coup and the mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks, despite consistently denying any involvement. He stated that Speight’s silence has victimized him for years, asserting, “We want him to tell the truth. I am one of those who have been victims of his silence.”
Mr. Rabuka emphasized that Speight’s lack of disclosure has hindered his ability to clear his name regarding the alleged coup involvement. During his sentencing in February 2002, Speight suggested that he was not acting alone, hinting at a more extensive network of involvement. He mentioned that if law enforcement had conducted a thorough investigation, he would be “in very distinguished company on Nukulau,” referring to others who might have been implicated.
Recently, Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens were granted presidential pardons. Originally sentenced to death for treason, Speight had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment and served 24 years, including time on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Corrections complex.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of Speight’s release in the coalition government’s efforts toward truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the 2000 coup, echoed the call for Speight to reveal the true instigators of the events. He stated, “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth,” affirming that Speight was never the actual leader of the coup.
Savenaca Narube, the leader of Unity Fiji, also welcomed Speight’s release as an opportune moment for uncovering the masterminds behind the coup. He expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process would be politically neutral, focusing on both victims and perpetrators. “For this process to succeed, the truth must prevail,” Mr. Narube said, adding that while Speight has already paid for his actions, others involved remain unpunished.