3 prisoners pardoned by President

Three ex-offenders who spent more than 20 years in prison were pardoned by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere today.

The three ex-offenders are Albertino Shankar, Iliesa Duvuloco and Veremo Peceli Masidole.

Shankar, who was sentenced to 21 years in prison, says he is looking forward to a brighter future.

He says he does not want to talk about what happened in the past but looks forward to what the future holds for him.

While officiating at the pardon ceremony, Ratu Wiliame says the Mercy Commission is a unique constitutional body that provides the opportunity for convicted citizens giving them hope for a review of their sentence.

He adds that since 2000, the Mercy Commission has received 65 applications for pardon and recommended 37 grant pardons to the President.

The President acknowledged the support of their wives, children and families and also welcomed the ex-offenders to society.

The event was attended by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, Attorney-General and Mercy Commission Chair Siromi Turaga, Minister for i-Taukei Ifereimi Vasu, Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Salote Panapasa and members of the Mercy Commission.