Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, to disclose the identities of those who were part of the coup’s planning. In a recent media interview, Rabuka addressed the persistent speculation linking him to the coup and the mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Queen Elizabeth Barracks, despite his ongoing denials. He articulated that Speight’s lack of communication has victimized him for years, stating, “We want him to tell the truth.”
Rabuka emphasized that Speight’s silence has hindered his ability to clear his name regarding his supposed involvement in the coup. Speight hinted during his sentencing in February 2002 that he was not acting alone, mentioning that a thorough police investigation would reveal many others alongside him.
Recently, both Speight and former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit captain Shane Stevens received presidential pardons. Speight, who was initially sentenced to death for treason before his sentence was commuted to life, spent 24 years in prison, including time on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Corrections complex.
Rabuka noted that Speight’s release is crucial for the coalition government’s efforts in truth and reconciliation. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who was taken hostage during the coup, reiterated the call for Speight to identify those truly behind the events, stating, “If George Speight is truly contrite about the devastation caused, the least he can do is reveal the truth.” Chaudhry argued that Speight was not the true mastermind of the coup.
Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, also highlighted that Speight’s release comes at a critical time for uncovering the origins of the coup. He expressed hope that the reconciliation process would be impartial, addressing both victims and perpetrators, and underscored the importance of truth for the process’s success, noting that while Speight has faced consequences, others involved have not.