I have received information that 2000 coup leader George Speight wants to be involved in the Truth and Reconciliation process, but I haven't spoken to him personally.
Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Sashi Kiran highlighted this on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan when former FijiFirst MP and current opposition MP, Alvick Maharaj questioned her on how does she feel that Speight has been released while the person who ended the 2000 crisis, Voreqe Bainimarama is in prison.
When questioned if the communication she has received about Speight is formal, Kiran responded that some soldiers who came during the consultation said that they had met him, and he is open to this process and would like to engage at some point in time.
The Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee says his process has nothing to do with their process; it is a normal process through the President and the Mercy Commission.
She further says Speight is not pardoned, his sentence has been postponed and the former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is charged for a specific matter and also has the same provision as Speight.
Kiran says we have to create a structure that can enable the perpetrators or victims to come and face the Commission and engage with the communities and be able to share the truth.
Maharaj also asked Kiran why did the Committee opt to leave Bainimarama out of the equation knowing his involvement in the 2000 and 2006 coups and why is he still behind bars.
Kiran adds that is not their prerogative as the Committee is only involved in drafting the Bill and they have called for consultation and asked the former FijiFirst and different political parties for submissions and whatever submission have come in is included in the draft.
She adds they won’t go behind bars to ask people what they want in the peace of legislation.
When asked would Bainimarama be involved in the process, Kiran says she hopes so and adds that when the Commission is set up everyone will have the chance to participate.
