NAIROBI – In the aftermath of a six-day internet blackout during deadly protests in Tanzania, the government is cautioning citizens against circulating images and videos that might incite panic. These protests erupted on election day, and as connectivity is gradually restored, officials are urging restraint in sharing potentially disturbing content.

On Monday night, a text message was dispatched to mobile phone users, warning that disseminating such images could result in “treason charges.” This message followed the resumption of internet services, during which users began to circulate unverified photos purportedly showing victims of the election-related unrest.

A social media account that had been actively posting both videos and images alleged to be of protest victims was taken down on Monday evening. The page had quickly gained a substantial following, amassing thousands of supporters within just 24 hours.

While the government has not yet disclosed an official count of the fatalities resulting from the protests, President Samia Suluhu Hassan acknowledged during her inauguration on Monday that lives were lost. She called on security forces to prioritize restoring peace and order.

On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch criticized the harsh measures taken against demonstrators in Tanzania. The organization referenced claims by Chadema, the leading opposition party, which stated that over 1,000 individuals had perished during the protests.

The Catholic Church on Monday also said that people had died in their “hundreds,” but it too was unable to verify or confirm the exact numbers.

President Hassan ran in a disputed Oct. 29 election from which candidates from the two main opposition parties were barred. She was declared the winner with more than 97% of the vote, despite a low turnout reported by international observers.

Chaos broke out on election day as youths protested the exclusion of the main opposition parties, and demonstrations continued for several days as protesters called for a halt to vote tallying. Security agencies cracked down on protesters by firing live bullets and tear gas canisters, and a nationwide curfew was declared.

On Tuesday, life was slowly returning to normal in the capitals Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, with gas stations and grocery shops reopening and public transport resuming after days of closure.

The government spokesperson on Monday asked all government workers to return to work, effectively ending a work-from-home order that had been announced after the curfew imposed on election night.

Human Rights Watch on Tuesday asked the Tanzanian government to ensure accountability for all election-related deaths, citing point-blank shootings reported by various residents.

“The Tanzanian authorities’ violent and repressive response to election-related protests further undermines the credibility of the electoral process,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.

The rights group also called for the full restoration of internet connectivity, saying that restrictions violate the right to freedom of expression and access to information.

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Associated Press journalists in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, contributed.