Fiji Labour Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry says the coup prisoners released today have served very long sentences and are showing remorse for their treasonous acts but he hopes they will assist the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when it is set up to establish the truth of the events leading to the 2000 coup and the real faces behind it.
Chaudhry who was the Prime Minister when the 2000 coup took place, says the release of the coup prisoners was to be expected under a government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who set the coup culture rolling by executing Fiji’s first coup on 14th May 1987.
Chaudhry says in fact, Rabuka had foreshadowed the release of George Speight and other coup convicts in a political rally at the Nasinu Primary School just days before the 2022 general elections.
He says it was also a campaign promise by SODELPA.
Chaudhry says steps to release the political prisoners were taken up as early as January this year through the process of appointing a Mercy Commission.
Meeting his father for the first time after 23 years will be a memory that will live forever with 23-year-old Josua Nata after witnessing his father, Josefa Nata, being granted a pardon by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the State House this morning.
Josefa Nata was part of 12 convicted inmates that were granted a pardon by the President.
Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata who were serving life sentences in prison for treason after the 2000 coup led by George Speight, had a non-parole period of 9 years and 7 years respectively after their sentencing in 2003.
Josua Nata says it was his birth year when his father went to prison, and not spending Christmas and New Year's with him was so sad.
He says he did not expect his father to be released just a few days before Christmas, and it’s the most wonderful feeling that he has ever felt.
Josefa Nata says there was a lot of learning when he was in prison, and his message to the people of Fiji is to be careful with their decision-making because they will have to suffer the consequences of their decisions.
He says he is more excited about things that can be done outside of prison because there is a lot that we can do.
Nata says he is particularly interested in bringing changes to the Fiji Corrections Service.
Nata says the first thing he will do is try to go to Lau or maybe do a bit of diving or play a game of golf.
Naitasiri high chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata who was convicted of instigating the 2000 mutiny, was also granted a pardon today.
Ratu Inoke Takiveikata was convicted and sentenced in 2011 for inciting mutiny in 2000 at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non parole term of 8 years.
Other people granted a presidential pardon are Alesi Nalave, Kaliova Rasaku, Kamlesh Kumar, Lole Vulaca, Nemani Valeniyasana, Pita Tokoniyaroi, Rupeni Vosayaco, Samuela Rogoivalu and Vaione Tegu.
Naitasiri high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata is a free man today after he was pardoned by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the State House.
He told fijivillage News that he is happy to be a free man.
Ratu Inoke 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.
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