Criminal cases have been initiated in connection with the facts of riots and violence in Minsk against the police, Sputnik-Belarus reported referring to the head of the Investigative Committee of Belarus Ivan Noskevich.

The head of the Investigative Committee said that rioters face up to 8 and 15 years in prison.

According to Noskevich, all illegal actions were accompanied by violence against police officers, dozens of whom were injured.

He noted that the offenses were accompanied by the destruction of property, resistance to representatives of the authorities.

Currently, more than 100 investigators are working on the scene, he added.

According to the head of the Investigative Committee, many of the suspects and those already detained are in a state of alcoholic intoxication.

Criminal cases have been initiated on the facts of organizing mass riots.

Noskevich urged not to succumb to provocations and calls for the violation of public order. Law enforcement agencies will take all possible measures to protect the constitutional order, he added.