George Speight, Shane Stevens freed

The Mercy Commission, during its meeting held on 18 September 2024, reviewed the petitions for mercy submitted by the following individuals:

• Sekina Vosavakatini
• Nioni Tagici
• James Sanjesh Goundar
• Adi Livini Radininausori
• John Miller
• George Speight
• Shane Stevens

Following the Commission’s deliberations, recommendations for mercy were made, and His Excellency, the President of Fiji, acting under Section 119(5) of the Constitution, granted pardons to all of the above petitioners. These pardons were formally granted on 18 September 2024.

As a result, the named individuals have been officially discharged from custody today, Thursday, 19 September 2024. However, in the case of James Sanjesh Goundar, who passed away on 6 September at the Minimum Corrections Center, the pardon, unfortunately, came too late for him.

The Fiji Correction Service and the government remain committed to the principles of justice, rehabilitation, and the rule of law, and the Mercy Commission plays a vital role in ensuring that petitions for clemency are considered carefully, with due regard to the circumstances of each case.