Loyalists in Northern Ireland have drawn widespread condemnation for burning a replica mosque atop a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone. The cardboard effigy of a place of worship was ignited late Wednesday, just before police could remove it from the bonfire site. Signs displayed alongside the replica mosque read "Secure our borders" and "End the threat of radical Islam."
Authorities and advocacy groups have denounced the act as a "sickening and cowardly act of intimidation" and a "vile display" intended to stir anti-Muslim hatred. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the incident as "not about tradition" and stated it did not represent the majority of people in Northern Ireland. Amnesty International called it a "blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families."
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had initiated a complex operation to remove the "hate display" from the bonfire. Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett stated that the operation was in an "advanced stage" when the bonfire was lit, preventing the removal and seizure of the material as evidence. The PSNI is investigating the incident as a hate-motivated crime.
One man, aged 56, has been charged with incitement to hatred in connection with the event and is scheduled to appear in court. The group behind the effigy, identified as the Moygashel Bonfire Association, reportedly lit the fire early after learning of the police operation to remove it.
This is not the first time the Moygashel bonfire has attracted controversy. Last year, the same group faced backlash for burning effigies of migrants in a boat. Eleventh night bonfires are a traditional part of celebrations leading up to the Orange Order's July 12 parades in Northern Ireland, but have on occasion become sites for contentious displays of flags, effigies, and political posters before being lit.