Speaking in her inaugural address to parliament, Hassan expressed profound sorrow for the loss of life. “I am deeply saddened by the incident. I offer my condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones,” she said.

Hassan secured a second term on October 29 with 98% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission. 

Opposition leaders and human rights groups allege widespread rigging, ballot stuffing, and brutal repression, including an internet blackout that triggered days of protests in which hundreds were reportedly killed by security forces.

“The government has taken the step of forming an inquiry commission to investigate what happened,” the president declared.

Acknowledging mass arrests, she appealed for compassion: “I realise that many youths who were arrested and charged with treason did not know what they were doing.

“As the mother of this nation, I direct law enforcement agencies, especially the office of the director of police to review the offenses. 

“For those who merely followed the crowd without intent to commit crime, let them erase their mistakes.”

The directive comes amid international criticism and calls for accountability over the crackdown. 

Details on the commission’s composition, mandate, and timeline were not immediately disclosed.