Washington, January 23 (RHC)-- Most of protesters who have been arrested for marching against U.S. President Donald Trump after his January 20 inauguration are facing 10-year prison sentences, federal prosecutors say. 

A $25,000 fine is also awaiting the majority of the over 200 people who were arrested during Friday’s violent protests, where people started vandalizing public property as the Republican leader was being sworn in. 

Police used tear gas, stun grenades, water cannon and pepper spray to subdue the protesters before arresting some of them on “felony rioting” charges.  Washington, DC law describes “felony rioting” as a situation where five or more people cause “serious bodily harm” or more than $5,000 of damage to property through “tumultuous and violent conduct and the threat thereof.” 

All of the 217 protesters stood before the state’s Superior Court on Sunday.  Many of the arrestees were wearing anti-fascist “black bloc” hoods and masks when they were arrested.  They are accused of smashing windows, throwing bricks at police cars and vandalizing a nearby limousine. 

At least one of the protesters told the court that he was a journalist for a news website and police should not have detained him.  According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, nearly all of the protesters have been released without bail and were told they should avoid being arrested again before going on trial in February and March.