Individuals charged in connection with the disorder linked to the anti-immigration protests in Northern Ireland could spend months on remand.
Almost two dozen people have appeared before the courts charged either with direct involvement in the street disorder or inciting violence online.
All but one of those who have appeared before District Court judges were refused bail. In total, 29 people have been charged with offences.
While their lawyers will quickly apply to the High Court for bail, if refused and they contest the charges they could spend up to nine months on remand, legal experts said.
The system is in stark contrast to what is happening in England and Wales, where many involved in the disorder were charged and sentenced within days.
Both those jurisdictions have a fast-track prosecution process which is not part of the judicial system in the north.
The speedy process and long sentences, including a total of 38 months, half to be served in prison, to one man for reposting a tweet, is seen by many as a strong deterrent.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the UK’s emergency response, Cobra, there is “no doubt” rapid sentencing has acted as a deterrent to further rioting, the BBC reported.
However, in the north it could be months before those charged face either a trial or sentencing, particularly as many may be prosecuted in the Crown Court.
Stephen Herron, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “We in the PPS strongly condemn the recent violent disorder, which is having a devastating impact on people and communities.
“As police investigations continue, we are engaging closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to these cases. Due to the ongoing nature of the disorder, a team of prosecutors has been formed to provide prosecutorial advice to police and to support them in building cases that can be directed upon and dealt with in the Courts as quickly as possible.”
District Judge Mark Hamill suggested on Saturday those involved in “racially motivated rioting” should eventually be brought before the Crown Court.
A prosecutor told Belfast Magistrates Court no decision has yet been made by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on whether they be dealt with in the higher court.
Judge Hamill remarked: “If there is racially aggravated riotous behaviour, that is a Crown Court case all day long.”
The north has a far greater percentage of inmates on remand than in Britain, with approximately 40% at any one time, out of a total that has jumped to close to 2,000 in recent years.
According to figures released earlier this year by the Department of Justice, of the 1,255 inmates in Maghaberry, 594, or 47%, were on remand.
In March, 37% of all inmates were on remand, compared to 23% in Scotland and 19% in England and Wales.
