What happened during George Speight’s coup in Fiji in 2000?

On May 19, 2000, businessman George Speight led a group of armed men, including rebel members of the army’s counterrevolutionary warfare unit, to the Parliament complex in Suva. They took Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and approximately 40 other legislators hostage, effectively deposing the government.12

Speight, claiming to act on behalf of indigenous Fijians, demanded that Fiji’s constitution be replaced to exclude ethnic Indians from government, that amnesty be granted to the coup participants, and that he and his supporters have a role in selecting a new government. The coup was accompanied by widespread looting and the destruction of Indian-owned businesses in the capital.12

Following a period of deadlock and the declaration of martial law by the military, an amnesty accord was reached. The hostages were released after 56 days of captivity, and Speight was arrested in July 2000. Although he was later elected to Parliament while in custody, he was dismissed and eventually convicted of treason, receiving a life sentence.12