Nationalists have condemned the decision to charge members of the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community group with obstruction and disorderly conduct, following a confrontation on the Lower Ormeau Road last Saturday.
The group's spokesman, Mr Gerard Rice, and several other members will appear before Belfast Magistrates Court today to face charges relating to the incident, in which 27 civilians and 19 RUC officers were injured. About 300 nationalists staged a sit-down protest to prevent an Apprentice Boys parade passing through. They were physically removed by the RUC.
It is understood Mr Rice will be fully contesting the charges. The Government has voiced concern about the arrests. A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said its views had been relayed to Downing Street. LOCC spokesman, Mr John Gormley, said the RUC's speed in moving against people who took part in a peaceful protest was "in sharp contrast to its complete inactivity in the face of 15 months of violent Orange protests in Portadown."
Mr Rory Dougan, of the 32-County Sovereignty Movement, said the charges were a warning to Garvaghy Road residents not to take similar action if Orangemen were eventually allowed through their area. "It is once again obvious that any attempt to secure basic human rights for nationalists will be met with brutality and intimidation in the North."
Sinn Fein councillor Mr Sean Hayes said "There is one law for the Orange Order and one for peaceful nationalist protesters."
The arrests were welcomed by the DUP. Mr Ian Paisley jnr said it was "disgusting" that the Government has taken it upon itself to comment. "It is none of their business to comment on matters internal to Northern Ireland."