Bonfire lit ahead of PSNI removal of mosque replica

A planned loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, was ignited a day ahead of schedule as police initiated a major operation to remove a replica mosque from its summit. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) characterized the operation as "significant and complex," stating its objective was to remove what they termed a "hate display."

According to Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett, the bonfire was set alight before police could intervene, a move intended to prevent the removal of "criminal material." The PSNI indicated that the operation was already well underway when the pyre was lit. Had the bonfire not been ignited, police stated they would have secured the site, removed the offending object, and seized it as evidence.

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In advance of police arrival, the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.

A 56-year-old man has since been charged with incitement to hatred and is scheduled to appear before Dungannon Magistrates' Court. The PSNI officially classified the display on the Moygashel bonfire as a "hate-motivated criminal offense," emphasizing that "hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated."

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Had the bonfire not been lit police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence.

The replica mosque, prominently placed atop the pyre, drew widespread condemnation from various political parties, religious leaders, and a human rights group. The Moygashel Bonfire Association defended the bonfire as an act of "political protest" against "uncontrolled illegal mass immigration," with accompanying signs reading "secure our borders" and "end the threat of radical Islam."

Amnesty International denounced the display as a "vile display" and a "blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families." Senior Christian Archbishops also criticized the placement, viewing it as an attack on the Muslim community through "crude symbols and threats of violence by sinister forces," which they believe undermines Gospel principles of respect and compassion. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn labeled the act "sickening and cowardly."

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Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.

Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin and Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell affirmed freedom of religion as a cornerstone of democratic society. They described the replica mosque on the bonfire as "grossly offensive," particularly in light of recent unrest. In a joint statement, they expressed that Christians of all traditions would be "aghast" at the destruction of Christian imagery and should similarly be "appalled at the provocative denigration of symbols associated with faiths that are sincerely held by others." They urged all people of "good will" to "reflect carefully" on actions that could incite violence against innocent individuals, assuring their Muslim fellow citizens of their support.

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The display on the Moygashel bonfire is being treated as a hate-motivated criminal offence.