Northern Ireland politicians condemn mosque replica set alight on bonfire

A replica of a mosque, topped with an effigy of a person holding a knife, was deliberately set alight on a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on Thursday night. The act, which occurred in a mainly Protestant loyalist area, has drawn widespread condemnation from politicians across the region.

The bonfire, part of annual events marking the 1690 Battle of the Boyne, was lit a day early. Police were preparing to remove the mosque replica, which they described as a "hate display," when organizers lit the bonfire. "Had the bonfire not been lit, police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence," stated Police Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett. "Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated."

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sickening and cowardly act of intimidation.

Britain's minister for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, called the display a "sickening and cowardly act of intimidation." The incident follows recent anti-migrant violence in Belfast, where rioters attacked ethnic minority homes and businesses after a viral video showed a stabbing. Anti-migrant imagery has increasingly replaced traditional anti-Catholic slogans and effigies of Irish politicians on some bonfires.

A 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred in connection with the incident and is due to appear in court. Last year, a model of refugees in a boat was set alight at the same location in Moygashel, also following a period of violence against migrants.

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