King Felipe VI of Spain acknowledged abuses during the colonial era, saying forced labor, land seizures and violence occurred despite laws meant to protect people. Speaking during a visit to an archaeology museum in Madrid, Spain, he said, “Numerous abuses occurred” and added that history should be assessed objectively.
The king noted that Spain has not issued a formal apology to former colonies. Mexico has previously called for an apology over colonial-era crimes, but Spanish authorities have rejected the demand.