IT’S “shameful” that a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was allowed to go ahead, Amnesty International has said.
There has been widespread condemnation from politicians and church leaders to the display on the bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which was set alight on Thursday night.
The boat on top of the pyre contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets, while below it were placards saying “stop the boats” and “veterans before refugees”.
Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said: “It is shameful that the authorities allowed this despicable display of hate to go ahead.
“What a shocking message to send to local migrant families.
“It is just weeks since migrant families were forced to flee for their lives when their homes were attacked and set on fire – a chilling pattern of escalating hostility.
“The authorities must treat this as a hate crime, conduct a full investigation and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
Mr Corrigan added: “Racism, xenophobia, and hate have no place here – and that must be made unmistakably clear.”
Police said on Thursday they had received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material on it.
A spokesperson said: “Police are investigating this hate incident.
“Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.
“We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.”
KNEECAP BANNER ON BONFIRE
A BANNER of Irish rap trio Kneecap was placed on a bonfire in Co Tyrone.
It came ahead of pyres being lit right across Northern Ireland last night.
The photo of the west Belfast band was cable tied to pallets at a bonfire in the Dungannon area of Co Tyrone. Slogans on it included ‘Kill your local Kneecap’, with a further line stating ‘The only good one is a dead one’.
The banner also included the sectarian acronym ‘KAT’, with ‘Death to Hamas’ and ‘Destroy all Irish Republicans’ also written on the banner.
The Co Tyrone bonfire was one of hundreds being lit across Northern Ireland last night ahead of the Orange Order’s July 12 parades today. Several bonfires have become the focus of controversy amid the placing of flags, effigies and posters on the structures before they are ignited.
Cops declined to help remove a contentious pyre in south Belfast due to be lit last night. Concerns have been raised over the loyalist bonfire at Meridi Street off the Donegall Road in the city which is on a site containing asbestos and is close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals.
Belfast City Council had asked the PSNI to assist contractors to remove the towering structure. However, the PSNI refused, insisting that the risk was deemed “lower and more manageable” than intervention.
Stormont’s Environment Minister Andrew Muir had called for the contentious pyre not to be set alight, with the Alliance MLA adding: “I would plead with people to exercise caution and not to light this bonfire if they could.”
But the Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Rev Mervyn Gibson said people should “go and enjoy themselves” at the bonfire.
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said the bonfire “was clearly intended to dehumanise people who come to our island seeking a better life”.
He added: “The effigies and displays were abhorrent, driven by vile, far-right and racist attitudes.
“I welcome that police are treating this as a hate incident. It’s vital those responsible are held accountable for their disgusting actions.
“Diversity, inclusion and equality must always triumph over xenophobia and hate.”
CONTENTIOUS DISPLAYS
The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays.
Last year, a mock police car was burnt on the top of the bonfire and in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched.
Earlier this week, prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson said the bonfire was a form of “artistic protest”.
He posted on X: “Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration.
“Their yearly art has itself become a tradition.
“This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.”
