PROMINENT loyalist Jamie Bryson has called on Northern Ireland protocol protesters to ignore invitations to attend for police interview.
Fourteen people suspected of taking part in protest parades in Co Armagh have been asked to attend interviews or face possible prosecution.
In a letter delivered to suspects, the PSNI said that between April 5 and May 5 a number of notified and un-notified processions took place in the Markethill area.
They were part of a series held across the north by loyalists angry over the Northern Ireland Protocol and the policing of the Bobby Storey funeral.
"These may give rise to potential offences by individuals under the public processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and the public health regulations (NI) 2021," the letter said.
"You are suspected of having taken part," it said.
"You are invited to provide your account to police."
The suspects have been asked to contact police to arrange and interview.
"This will be carried out on a voluntary basis and will be under caution," the PSNI said.
The notice adds that "failure to make contact with police to make a suitable date for interview, within 14 days of receipt of this letter will result in you being reported to the Public Prosecution Service for the offences listed above".
Mr Bryson however has said he believes those contacted should not co-operate.
"My view is nobody should attend a voluntary interview in relation to it," he said.
"The letters have not disclosed any evidential basis for the apparent suspicion and in any event the legislation quoted does not exist in relation to Covid - it's impossible to see how anybody would be interviewed under caution in relation to it."
The loyalist said he believes the development supports the claims made by loyalists of "two-tier policing".
"When you compare the manner in which the police have sought to deal with these protests in comparison with the Storey funeral there is an unarguable disparity," he said.
Earlier this month Mr Bryson addressed a crowd after a procession in Markethill, while TUV leader Jim Allister spoke at an event in Broughshane in Co Antrim on Friday.
Mr Bryson confirmed he has not received a letter while a spokesman for Mr Allister said that neither has he.
A spokesman for the PSNI said: "A number of individuals received letters as part of an ongoing investigation and therefore we will not be commenting further."
Loyalists in Co Antrim intend to hold a similar parade against the protocol on Thursday at Dixon Park in Ballyclare.
A similar event will also be held in Kells in Co Antrim on Saturday evening.
