A loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland has been lit after sparking widespread outrage for displaying an effigy of migrants in a boat on top of the controversial pyre. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed they are investigating the display as a hate incident.
The bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon, County Tyrone, featured a boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets. An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on the bonfire, which is among about 300 being burned across Thursday and Friday night ahead of the Orange Order's annual July 12 parades.
Political condemnation follows display
The display drew criticism from political representatives across Northern Ireland's spectrum. Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell described it as "racist, threatening and offensive".
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director, called the bonfire a "vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism". Below the boat were several placards, including one saying "stop the boats" and another reading "veterans before refugees".
Bonfire's history of controversy
The Moygashel bonfire has become notorious for contentious displays in recent years. Last year, a mock police car was burnt on top of the bonfire, whilst in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched.
Prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the display as a form of "artistic protest". He posted on X that "every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration" and said "this year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration".
Police investigation underway
Police said earlier on Thursday they had received numerous reports regarding the bonfire and the material placed on it. They confirmed they are treating the matter as a hate incident and are working within existing legislative frameworks.
"Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe," officers said. They added they work with local communities, partners and elected representatives "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".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
