Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered an official investigation into the protests and killings that followed the recent election.

The move comes amid growing allegations that security forces used excessive violence against demonstrators. President Samia, who won the election with 98 percent of the vote, remains in office. At least 240 people have been charged with treason in connection with the protests.

The government’s prosecutor appealed to the president to show leniency towards those arrested, quoting a biblical passage: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Tuck, has called for a transparent inquiry into the killings and alleged human rights violations. President Samia announced the investigation shortly after the commissioner’s statement.

Protesters claim that hundreds of people have died in post-election demonstrations, although the government has not released an official death toll.