People faced torture and suffering during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's rule, his son and independent presidential candidate Faris Maumoon said on Tuesday night, apologizing and acknowledging experiences of pain and injustice.
In a video posted on social media, Faris said he does not deny suffering under Maumoon's government and pledged to ensure redress for victims.
"That some among the people faced torture and suffering during the days of President Gayoom's government is true and something that I believe. And I believe that this pain and sadness remains for some people. That is not something that I deny. I sincerely apologize for that," Faris said.
The apology came after Faris recently told an online media outlet that torture and injustice did not occur under President Maumoon. He also apologized for those remarks in the video released last night.
"Furthermore, it is true that this pain increased more as a result of what I said recently. I apologize sincerely for that as well."
The main reason for the end of Maumoon's reign was the "30 years of tyranny," in the words of opposition politicians at the time.
Maumoon's administration was blamed for the unrest triggered by the killing of Evan Naseem at the Maafushi jail on September 19, 2003 and the subsequent fatal shooting of three inmates as well as alleged widespread torture and custodial deaths.
The opposition at the time also objected to the lack of democratic rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
In his farewell address, Maumoon expressed remorse and apologized for "any pain or suffering unjustly borne by any Maldivian citizen" as a result of his policies, decisions or inaction.
In his video, Faris vowed to assure a "complete relief" for victims under Maumoon's government if he is elected president.
