Dutch king formally apologizes for country's role in colonial-era slavery

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Saturday apologized for his country's role in colonial-era slavery and its lingering effects.

"Today I'm standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologizing myself," Willem-Alexander said at an official event marking 150 years since the end of slavery in Dutch colonies.

"I feel the weight of the words in my heart and my soul," he added.

The monarch sought pardon "for the clear failure to act in the face of this crime against humanity."