A bonfire was lit a day early in Northern Ireland as police attempted to remove a replica of mosque placed on a bonfire as a man has now been arrested after the incident
A loyalist bonfire was lit a day early as police attempted to remove a replica of a mosque that was placed on top.
The effigy was visible on on top of the pyre in Moygashel on Thursday, July 10 ahead of the Eleventh night bonfires across Northern Ireland on Friday.
The replica was accompanied by signs that read “Secure our borders” and “End the threat of radical Islam”.
A man has been charged with incitement to hatred after the ‘vile display’. The 56-year-old will appear at court on Friday, July 10.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that the bonfire was lit on Thursday evening, hence making the operation to remove the hate display ‘complex’.
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “Had the bonfire not been lit police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s investigation into this hate motivated crime is ongoing. Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.
“That is why tonight we commenced a proactive policing operation to take action and remove the hate display from Moygashel Bonfire. In advance of police arrival the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.
“Where there is evidence that offences have been committed, we will take robust action.
“As part of our ongoing investigation, a 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred. He is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 July. As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
The same bonfire has caused controversy in previous years. Last year there was condemnation after effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on the Moygashel fire.