2000 coup leader George Speight has claimed that neither he nor the late Shane Stevens was ever legally pardoned by the State, despite public announcements two years ago that they had been granted pardons.
Speaking at Mr Stevens’ funeral last week, Mr Speight revealed that the legal documents governing their release referred to a postponement of their life sentences for treason rather than a pardon.
He questioned why the Government had publicly announced that they were pardoned when, according to him, the legal documents stated otherwise.
“Despite the public announcements two years ago of the use of the word ‘pardon’, it was announced to the world that Shane and I had been pardoned along with five others, a group of seven,” Mr Speight said.
“For Shane and I, that word ‘pardon’ is not true.”
Mr Speight said the issue had remained unresolved for two years, despite his attempts to seek clarification from the authorities.
“I have been asking them for two years to please make it right. I have not said a word.”
He said he and Mr Stevens had agreed to remain silent to give the Government an opportunity to explain the legal status of their release.
“Shane and I have agreed that I will not say a word, completely giving the Government every opportunity to at least explain to us why we do not deserve to be pardoned.”
He questioned the discrepancy between the public announcement and the documents issued to them.
“Why announce it publicly and yet do something else?”
Mr Speight said the legal documents governing their release contained provisions relating to the postponement of their sentences.
“The legal document that governs me standing here and Shane lying there says quite something else.”
He explained that a postponement could be granted for a fixed period or for an indefinite period, raising questions about the continuing legal implications of their life sentences.
Mr Speight called on the Government to explain why the legal documents did not reflect the public announcement of a pardon and what the postponement meant for their legal status.
