Speight’s release has reopened old wounds for those who suffered loss during the 2000 coup - Lal

Opposition MP, Ketan Lal says they have received countless heartfelt messages from fellow Fijians who are deeply saddened and disappointed by the recent decision to release and pardon the leader of the 2000 coup, George Speight.

Lal says he understands that this decision has reopened old wounds for those who suffered loss whether it be family, livelihoods, business, or needed to leave our beloved country for safety back in those dark days.

He says the scars from the events of 2000 remain fresh for many, and he stands with the people in recognizing the profound impact this has had on their lives and the nation as a whole.

Lal says while he hears and shares people’s concerns, this is the reality we are living in and he does not have the authority to reverse or challenge the decision made.

2000 coup leader George Speight and Counter Revolutionary Warfare leader Shane Stevens have been granted Presidential pardons, and released from custody.

The two are among seven pardoned by the Mercy Commission.

George Speight was charged with treason and convicted on his own plea of guilty in 2001.

He had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 2002, and Speight has been imprisoned for 24 years, 1 month and 23 days, which is 8,820 days, both on Nukulau Island and at the Naboro Corrections Facility.

Shane Stevens was convicted of Incitement to Mutiny in 2002. Stevens has been incarcerated in jail for a total of 21 years, 8 months and 20 days, which is 7,934 days at Naboro Prison.