Ratu Timoci Silatolu, who served a life sentence in prison for treason after the 2000 coup led by George Speight, is grateful that he will be spending Christmas and New Year with his family as a free man.
Silatolu was part of the 12 convicted inmates that was granted a pardon by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the State House.
Silatolu had a non-parole period of 9 years after their sentencing in 2003.
Silatolu says he did not expect to be released because they were going to have a family day this Saturday.
He says he had faith that one day, he would be a free man.
He adds that he wants to spend more time with his family.
Speaking about his life in prison, Silatolu says he worked in prison as it was part of his sentence and he also kept writing appeals.
