Police Urged to Respond to Mosque Replica on Bonfire in County Tyrone

A replica mosque placed atop a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, has prompted calls from Amnesty International for police to respond decisively to what is seen as incitement of anti-Muslim hatred.

Police Called to Act Over Mosque Replica Bonfire

Authorities have been urged to take action regarding a replica of a mosque placed atop a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone. This bonfire has previously included other contentious displays.

An image of the top of the bonfire, consisting of wood pallets, with a structure resembling a mosque on top. Two placards are below. One reads — Image caption, The structure on top of the bonfire resembles a mosque

Patrick Corrigan, representing Amnesty International, described the display as "a blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families." He emphasized the necessity for a "decisive response" from the police.

"The placing of an effigy of a mosque on top of a bonfire amounts to incitement to hatred directed at real people who live, work and raise families in Northern Ireland," he said.

Context of Bonfires in Northern Ireland

Bonfires are traditionally lit each year in certain unionist communities across Northern Ireland during July to mark the Twelfth of July, the primary date in the parading season. Most bonfires are ignited on the Eleventh night, 11 July.

The Twelfth of July commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II.