Attorney-General Siromi Turaga is urging Fijians to forgive those who were involved in the 2000 coup.
“Don’t look at the act,” said Mr Turaga.
“Don’t look at the offence. They are basically the same when they go into prison. They are lifetimers.
“If you are going to continue to blame them, then how are we going to rehabilitate them?”
Mr Turaga said people like Naitasiri chief, the Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, had been role models during his 24-year life in prison.
“The nation needs to learn that we need to move forward just like you give a chance to everyone.
“We gave it to lifers so why can’t we give it to the Qaranivalu?
“He is a chief and has a role to play. A lot of people in Naitasiri look up to him.
“This is not so much about his status, it is just that he was one of the applicants who applied and is a lifer.
“If you talk to the corrections people, they will tell you how he has been a role model inside.”
He said the overall message that Fijians should take from this was forgiveness.
“A lot of things have been said about rehabilitation in Parliament this year, so people need to reflect on that.
“Be fair.
“Give them a second chance.”
