Fiji Coup Frontman Urged to Name Backers

Mahendra Chaudhry, Fiji's first prime minister of Indian heritage who was held hostage during the 2000 coup, is pressing the coup's frontman, George Speight, to identify the individuals behind the racially charged takeover.

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He has the answers, he knows, because he's always been regarded as the frontman. There were people who were behind him but they remain unidentified to this day.

Speight, who recently appeared before the Constitutional Review Commission after serving 24 years for treason, has publicly called for those involved in past political upheavals to confess. However, Chaudhry stated that Speight holds the key to identifying the masterminds, noting that "people who were behind him but they remain unidentified to this day."

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He has himself said that those who were associated with him are roaming around freely.

Chaudhry emphasized that Speight himself has indicated that associates involved in the coup are still at large. The veteran politician believes Speight can help bring closure to a deeply unresolved chapter in Fiji's history, as many citizens remain unaware of the true extent of the conspiracy. He suggested that only Speight and Nata, a key negotiator during the coup, possess this information but have been reluctant to share it.

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He can help bring about closure to the whole episode because it still remains open, people don't said know really who was behind the coup.

Fiji has experienced four coups since its independence in 1970. The 2000 coup, led by Speight and rebel soldiers, saw Chaudhry and his government held hostage for 56 days. Chaudhry, who pleaded guilty to treason and was later pardoned, believes that while families of the perpetrators may deserve sympathy, the focus should be on those who suffered the pain and anguish of the coup. He indicated he has his own views on who was responsible.

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if you want redemption, you have to confess