2000 coup leader, George Speight and six others have been officially discharged from custody today.
A statement by the Fiji Corrections Services released today says the Mercy Commission, during its meeting held on September 18, 2024 reviewed the petitions for mercy submitted by the following individuals:
• Sekina Vosavakatini
• Nioni Tagici
• James Sanjesh Goundar
• Adi Livini Radininausori
• John Miller
• George Speight
• Shane Stevens
Following the Commission’s deliberations, recommendations for mercy were made, and His Excellency, the President of Fiji, acting under Section 119(5) of the Constitution, granted pardons to all of the above petitioners.
These pardons were formally granted on September 18, 2024.
As a result, the named individuals have been officially discharged from custody today, Thursday, September 19, 2024.
However, in the case of James Sanjesh Goundar, who passed away on September 6 at the Minimum Corrections Center, the pardon, unfortunately, came too late for him.
The Fiji Correction Service and the government remain committed to the principles of justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, and the Mercy Commission plays a vital role in ensuring that petitions for clemency are considered carefully, with due regard to the circumstances of each case.
Speight and six others granted Presidential pardon
