The fact that George Speight, the former businessman who gained notoriety as the self-proclaimed leader of the 2000 coup, is a free man has attracted a lot of attention.
There’s mixed emotions as well out there.
He was released from prison, along with former military officer Shane Stevens, after they were granted Presidential pardon by the Mercy Commission and officially discharged from the Fiji Corrections Service’s custody this week.
Speight was convicted of treason for leading the coup, and was serving a sentence of life imprisonment.
He was imprisoned for 24 years, 1 month and 23 days, a total of 8820 days, both on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Correction Facility.
The Mercy Commission said the FCS provided positive reports on Speight’s behaviour, and recommended a pardon. Psychological and judicial assessments were also reviewed, and the FCS supported his reintegration into society.
There were others released as well this week.
The Mercy Commission deliberated on the applications before recommendations for mercy were made, and the President, acting under Section 119(5) of the Constitution, granted pardon to all of the named petitioners.
“These pardons were formally granted on 18 September 2024 and as a result, the named individuals have been officially discharged,” FCS said.
In December last year, those sentenced to prison with Speight for the same crime were released after pardon was granted.
They included Naitasiri high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata.
This release comes amidst a backdrop of societal transformation in Fiji, where the effects of Speight’s coup are still felt. Understandably, while some people may view his pardon as a step toward healing and moving forward, there will be some understandably outraged.
Let’s face it, there are memories of the chaos and violence that followed his actions still vivid in the minds of many Fijians. For them, the notion of Speight’s freedom is a painful reminder of unresolved injustices.
This is when we look up to the Truth and Reconciliation process to hopefully consider their stories and encourage them to participate in the healing process.
This is what supporters of the decision will argue as a way forward, hoping the decision can lead to societal healing.
There will be the line taken about uniting for a common cause, where adversaries come together to promote national unity.
We are talking about the shift to embrace the process of punishment, rehabilitation and reconciliation. In the face of that sit the sceptics who will insist on accountability, reflecting on victims of political violence!
Speight’s release also reminds us of the complexities surrounding our political history and landscape.
As we grapple with the consequences of our past, the response to Speight’s freedom will undoubtedly shape our future narrative. We may need a delicate balance between forgiveness and the pursuit of justice, as we navigate history and our aspirations for unity.
Editorial comment | September 21, 2024 | A turning point?
