A replica of a mosque placed atop a loyalist bonfire in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, Muslim representatives and human rights groups, who described it as anti-Muslim hatred and intimidation.
The replica appeared ahead of the annual July 12 bonfire celebrations in mainly Protestant loyalist areas, marking the victory of King William III over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The display included banners carrying messages reading ‘Secure our borders’ and ‘End the threat of radical Islam’. An effigy visible through one of the mosque’s windows appeared to hold an object resembling a knife.
Police arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of displaying threatening, abusive or insulting material intended to stir up hatred. He remained in custody while investigations continued.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the display as ‘a sickening and cowardly act of intimidation’. He said the incident did not reflect the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland and urged people to stand against hatred. Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew demanded immediate action against this hate crime.
Kashif Akram of the Belfast Islamic Centre said the replica mosque deeply upset Muslims across Northern Ireland.Amnesty International accused organisers of attempting to inflame anti-Muslim hatred, urging police to investigate it as a potential hate crime.