FORMER journalist Josefa Nata has told Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission that coups cannot be justified.
Nata, who served 24 years in prison for his role in the events of 2000 Nata said the coup caused significant damage to Fiji’s social fabric, particularly relations between iTaukei and Indo-Fijian communities.
He said the crisis deepened distrust and suspicion between communities, the effects of which continue to be felt today.
“I take full responsibility for my misguided involvement. I had borne the consequences. Forever will I carry the shame,” he said.
“No coup, in my view, can ever be justified.”
Nata expressed remorse for his actions and called on Fijians to embrace truth-telling, accountability, and reconciliation.
Appearing before FTRC Chairperson Joaquim Da Fonseca and Commissioner Rachna Nath, he described the events of 2000 as one of the darkest chapters in Fiji’s modern history.
But Nata maintained he had no role in the planning or execution of the parliamentary takeover of May 19, 2000. Nata said he became involved after hostages had been seized by George Speight and rebels, including members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
“The Court branded me as one of the masterminds of the events of May 19, 2000. This is a dubious honour I readily and unreservedly declined,’’ Nata said.
“That honour belongs elsewhere. I never was involved in any communication, planning, meeting, or execution of the 2000 event.”
However, Nata said a member of the Fijian Association Party, which formed part of the coalition government led by then Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry approached him on te eve of the coup.
Members of the FAP had earlier met the Opposition Soqosoqo Ni Vakavulewa Ni Taukei Party and its leader, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, to discuss a protest the following day.
Nata acknowledged travelling to Parliament on the afternoon of May 19 and told the commission that his involvement began only after he arrived at the parliamentary complex.
During that period, he undertook several responsibilities, including administering the oath of office for Ratu Jope Seniloli as President, responding to media enquiries, and facilitating a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps in Suva.
Nata said his years in prison became a period of reflection and personal transformation, shaping his understanding of accountability, responsibility, and the importance of rebuilding lives after wrongdoing.
Since his release in 2024, he has focused on establishing a community-based rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting former offenders, street children, and vulnerable individuals through mentorship, skills training, and structured support programmes.
“We cannot change the past, but we can create opportunities for people to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society,” he said.
Mr Nata also voiced strong support for Fiji’s truth and reconciliation process, describing dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness as essential foundations for national healing.
He encouraged those affected by political upheavals to participate in conversations that promote understanding while recognising the importance of truth-telling and accountability.
“Our ethnic and collective identity and openness are not necessarily opposing poles. It could be the vehicle to bring us together,” he said.
“To ignore what ails us in the past, or to fear what we might unravel, or to pretend that there is nothing there, is to be trapped in our history. We should revisit, untangle, rebuild and move forward together.”
