A leading figure in the Union flag protests was refused bail after a High Court judge warned that ill-informed comparisons between cases can undermine the rule of law.
Earlier this week, Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson claimed there was a belief that Republicans received better treatment than Loyalists from the courts.
Jamie Bryson, from Donghadee in Co Down, was charged with encouraging or assisting offences and taking part in unnotified public processions.
The High Court was told Mr Bryson evaded police on several occasions before being arrested.
He was refused bail after the judge said he had obstructed the police, shown no regard at all for the criminal justice system, and may repeat that behaviour.
Referring to complaints from the DUP that there was a bias towards Rrepublicans in the courts, Mr Justice McCloskey said ill-informed debate comparing individual cases, simply engendered confusion and misunderstanding.
DUP Finance Minister Sammy Wilson described the judge's comments as judicial arrogance.
