Failed Fijian coup leader George Speight and six others were released from prison on Thursday after being granted a pardon by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who acted on the advice of Fiji’s Mercy Commission.

The president approved Speight’s release after the Mercy Commission recommended a pardon based on his behavior in prison and the length of time he served. The Mercy Commission, a committee that recommends that the president exercise the power of mercy in the form of a pardon or by other means, defended the decision on Thursday. A spokesperson for the commission stated, “Justice must be balanced with compassion.” 

The commission cited Speight’s rehabilitation as a key factor in its recommendation to the president, who acted on their advice under Section 119(5) of the Fijian Constitution. Moreover, the Fiji Corrections Services reviewed psychological and judicial assessments while providing positive reports on Speight’s behavior, supporting his reintegration into society. He was pardoned after 24 years in custody.

Speight had been serving a life sentence for treason over his role in a failed coup in 2000, where he led an armed attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, Fiji’s first Indo-Fijian leader, along with 35 other members of parliament who were held hostage for 56 days. The coup was said to be driven by ethnic tensions between the indigenous iTaukei Fijians and the Indo-Fijian community, with Speight and his followers seeking to reclaim political power for indigenous Fijians. The coup ultimately plunged the country into political turmoil for nearly two years, with violence and instability rippling through the nation.