A loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which was widely condemned after a replica mosque was placed on top, was lit early on Friday morning before police could remove the display. The smouldering remains continued to burn as a man was due in court charged with incitement to hatred.
Controversial Bonfire Lit Early
The bonfire, originally scheduled to be lit on Friday night, was set alight shortly after midnight. The Moygashel Bonfire Association announced on social media: “Due to confirmation of contractors moving in and removing the bonfire, the decision has been made to light it asap.” Signs reading “Secure our borders” and “End the threat of radical Islam” were also placed on the pyre.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had “commenced a significant and complex policing operation to remove a hate display from the Moygashel bonfire” but the operation was at an “advanced stage when the bonfire was lit”. A spokesperson stated: “Had the bonfire not been lit police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence.”
Police Investigation and Charges
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett condemned the act: “Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated. That is why we commenced a proactive policing operation to take action and remove the hate display from Moygashel Bonfire. Before police arrival, the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.”
A 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred and is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Friday July 10. The PSNI confirmed that all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service as standard procedure.
History of Controversy
The bonfire site in Moygashel has attracted controversy in previous years. In 2023, effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on the fire, drawing widespread condemnation. Eleventh night bonfires are traditionally lit across Northern Ireland on the evenings before the Orange Order’s July 12 parades. While most pass without incident, some have become contentious due to flags, effigies, and election posters placed on them before ignition.
Police maintained a low-key presence in the village on Friday morning as the investigation continues.
