MOSCOW, April 17 (RAPSI) – Two new cases have been opened over riots in a penal colony situated in the Irkutsk Region, the Investigative Committee reports on its website.

The probes have been launched over disorganization of the correctional activities committed by an organized group with the use of force dangerous to health and life of penitentiary officers and organization of mass riots and participation in them.

Earlier, one more case was opened over disorganization of the penal colony because of the riots.

Investigators work in the penal colony every day. Alleged masterminds and participants of the riots have been detected; their number is extimated at arounf 200 people, the statement reads.

On April 9, serious disorder broke out in the colony that led to the fire. Penitentiary officials accused inmates, who had obstructed actions of the colony’s employees, of arson.

During the investigation, over 2,000 colony officers and prisoners are to be questioned, according to the Investigative Committee.