Eleven men were remanded in custody today after a police raid on an alleged loyalist paramilitary show of strength last week.
Belfast Magistrates' Court was packed as the suspects appeared in the dock one-by-one to face charges of helping to set up a meeting of the outlawed Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Freedom Fighters.
They were arrested after police stormed a pub in the north of the city last Thursday where alleged UDA men were believed to be rehearsing for a demonstration.
Some were wearing terrorist outfits when a specialist unit fired CS gas during the swoop on the Alexandra Bar in the heart of the Tiger's Bay district, it is claimed.
Before the men appeared, magistrate Des Perry warned he would clear the courtroom if any disturbances broke out.
Four of the men: John Davis (48) of Glebe Manor, Glengormley; Alan McClean (19) of Westland Drive; Gary McKenzie (34) of Claire Heights; and Samuel Robinson (37) of Aroso Crescent, all of Belfast, were charged with assisting in arranging or managing a meeting in support of a proscribed organisation - the UDA or UFF.
The other seven were accused of the same offence plus an additional charge of dressing like a member of the banned groups. They were: Stephen Crawford (21) of Hillview Avenue and Robert Neill (21) from Fairview Crescent, both Newtownabbey; George McHenry (38) of Ardoyne Road; Gary Dunseath (22) from Upper Canning Street; James Fisher (36) of Alliance Road; Mark Green (23) of Hogarth Street; and Gary Dicks (21) from Glenrosa Street, all of Belfast.
Six other men and a woman who were questioned as part of the police operation have been released while further reports are prepared for the Public Prosecution Service.
They included top loyalist Ihab Shoukri, brother of the UDA's north Belfast commander Andre.
The decision to free him incensed some nationalist representatives in Belfast who have demanded an explanation from the PSNI.
Several of the men who were charged grinned and waved at supporters in the public gallery.
Even though they all denied the charges, a detective sergeant told the court she could connect them all with the offences.
All 11 men were remanded in custody to appear again via videolink on April 3rd.