Two Fijians who were im­prisoned for life in Tuvalu in 2012, have been granted a pardon by Tuvalu’s Acting Gov­ernor-General.

Epeli Kamikamica and Samuela Dolesau were convicted for the murder of a Chinese national and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Their families last night were grateful for the mercy shown by the Tuvaluan government.

Unaisi Kamikamica never thought she would see her son Epeli ever again.

For eight and a half years she thought of her son each day. Her son is the eldest of her four children.

When her husband passed away, her son was only seven-years-old. Ms Kamikamica single-handedly raised her children.

“When he was put in prison, I thought that it

was going to be forever.

“I have missed him every day since and cannot wait to reunite with him,” Ms Kami­kamica said.

Mr Kamikamica, 34, is from Qeleni Tave­uni.

Sera Dolesau was emotional last night. Their parents were still alive when her brother Mr Dolesau was imprisoned.

“Both our parents were still alive in 2012 but they have both passed away and he is now a free man,” Ms Dolesau said

“It would be a timely Christmas celebra­tion, because we as a family decided to cel­ebrate Christmas individually as siblings. Now with Samuela home, its definitely a reason for a celebration for the whole fam­ily,” she said.

Mr Dolesau is 30 years old and is the fourth oldest out of seven siblings.

The pardon was confirmed by the Crown Counsel’s Office in Funafuti, Tuvalu.

“Their pardons have been signed, however will be executed today when they leave Tu­valu.”

Also, Tuvalu’s newly elected Minister for Justice, Simon Kofe confirmed that the cabinet had decided to implement the Par­liament resolution to deport the prisoners. This was done by exercising the power of mercy of the Governor-General.

“Both are in their early 30s and speak flu­ent Tuvaluan. Families in Fiji will be very excited to see them especially their chil­dren,” Mr Kofe said.

In accordance to the Constitution in Tu­valu, under Section 80(1)(a) signed by the Acting Governor-General Teniku Talesi on December 20, the notice provides the follow­ing conditions:

(a) That the two offenders shall return to their country of citizenship within 21 days

(b) Shall not return to Tuvalu within five years of their departure

(c) Shall not re-offend from the day of notice

The government of Tuvalu is expected to issue a formal release on this issue soon.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: ilaijia.ravuwai@fijisun.com.fj