FORMER Republic of the Fiji Military Forces Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) unit member Shane Stevens was among those invited to attend the 24th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.
Mr Stevens shared a number of emotional moments with the loved ones of the CRW soldiers killed during the attempted mutiny.
The former CRW member declined to speak to the media yesterday, however, was featured prominently in the reconciliation and restoration ceremony led by RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
Mr Stevens was granted a Presidential pardon by the Mercy Commission in September this year from a life sentence imposed for incitement to mutiny.
According to the Commission, Mr Stevens had been incarcerated in jail for a total of 21 years, 8 months and 20 days or 7934 days at Naboro Prison.
He was released following evaluations from the Fiji Corrections Service which recommended he be pardoned citing his positive progress during his time in behind bars.
Mr Stevens was released alongside 2000 coup leader George Speight.
Meanwhile, also invited to the event was former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho.
The pair was invited by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who requested President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere for their temporary release to attend the anniversary and commemoration of the RFMF’s Reconciliation and Restoration initiative.
The pair currently serving prison sentences could not attend the presentations of the traditional apology by the military.
