A criminal case has been opened into the use of violence towards police during a nationalist riot in downtown Moscow on Saturday, Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said.
"Investigators and police officials are establishing the circumstances of the crime and those involved," Markin said, adding that those found guilty face up to 10 years in prison.
Nationalist riots broke out in Moscow and St. Petersburg on Saturday as police dispersed protests in both cities against the killing of a Moscow football fan. Yegor Sviridov, 28, was killed last week during a brawl in northern Moscow between football fans and migrants from the North Caucasus.
The St. Petersburg demonstration, which involved some 1,000 people, was sanctioned by the authorities but turned violent as police attempted to prevent its participants from blocking a road.
The Moscow rally was not sanctioned, which resulted in 29 people, including at least eight riot police officers, being injured in clashes. The demonstration, which took place on Manezh Square next to the Kremlin wall, involved some 5,000 people, mostly football fans and members of nationalist movements.
Dozens of protesters were detained and charged with administrative offenses and 10 criminal cases have already been initiated.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin pledged on Tuesday to maintain order in the capital.
"If anyone thinks that he can do anything he wants in the city...they are mistaken," Sobyanin told a government meeting. "The authorities' reaction will be harsh; order will be maintained in Moscow."
He added that in his view the riot police on duty on Manezh Square acted "professionally."
MOSCOW, December 14 (RIA Novosti)
