Two Fijian Nationals Pardoned From Life Imprisonment in Tuvalu

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
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