Consider releasing prisoners like Ratu Inoke Takiveikata – Ratu Naiqama

Leader of Opposition, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has urged the President, Jioji Konrote and the government to consider the release of prisoners like Naitasiri High Chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata.

While speaking in parliament, Ratu Naiqama said this is not to create another coup but to take a step forward.

Ratu Naiqama adds he was also sent to prison for the events of 2000.

He says they carried out the forgiveness ceremonies twice. Ratu Naiqama says they came with the chiefs with the North, making arrangements with Voreqe Bainimarama when he was the Army Commander, however Bainimarama was busy then.

Ratu Naiqama says he also visited Mahendra Chaudhry’s office at the time to ask for forgiveness however Chaudhry said he needed time to consult with the iTaukei members of his government on how they will approach the request to take part in the ceremony.

Ratu Naiqama says they ended up with the late former Vice President, Ratu Jope Seniloli and later on a big ceremony was held where they offered their sincere apologies to the nation.

He says all he is asking if the late former President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo was able to accept the request for forgiveness, he also urges the government of the day to consider the same.

Ratu Naiqama says the President has the powers to grant free or pardon a person convicted of an offence and remitting all or part of a punishment.

Ratu Inoke Takiveikata was convicted and sentenced in 2011 for inciting mutiny in 2000 at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

Takiveikata was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non parole term of 8 years.

Ratu Naiqama asked government to also re-look at the role of the Mercy Commission in trying to clear those who have served their time in prison.

He says these people must be given another chance to be integrated into our community and participate in the nation as whole.

Ratu Naiqama says the parliamentarians have the audacity to come into parliament and preach about yellow ribbon and hopes the government could take account of all that have been affected where some have served over ten years in jail while others have served beyond 20 years.