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

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

By Vijay Narayan
Friday 20/09/2024
Opposition MP, Ketan Lal and leader of the 2000 coup, George Speight.

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.

FEATURE NEWS
Tobacco use claims more than 1,200 Fijian lives every year – Dr Tudravu
Every year, tobacco use claims more than 1,200 Fijian lives, with 71 percent of these deaths occurring in individuals under the age of 70 — represen...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Paradise Beverages renews partnership with Leadership Fiji, selects brewer for 2025 cohort
Paradise Beverages has renewed their partnership with Leadership Fiji as Jiujiuwa Uluiqalau, Supervisor Brewing, will represent the company in the ...
41 minutes ago

NFA signs agreement with M-PAiSA for easy payment of NFA services
People will no longer have to pay cash for the National Fire Authority services after signing an agreement with Vodafone Fiji to adopt their M-PAiSA ...
45 minutes ago

Army Commander attend senior military leaders retreat in Auckland
Army Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai and Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer 1 Joeli Rabuli successfully concluded the 2025 Tōtara ...
2 hours ago

Special Constable allegedly found with 40kg of marijuana to take plea on 16th April
Special Police Constable, William McKay who was allegedly found in possession of 40.07 kilograms of marijuana at his Raiwaqa home, has had his case ...
2 hours ago

Vakasenuqanuqa for President in Taveuni today
A traditional celebration or Vakasenuqanuqa for President Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is underway in Somosomo Village, ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
19 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
20 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
20 days ago

TOP