Life-sized mannequins of migrants placed inside a boat have been mounted on a loyalist bonfire in County Tyrone, drawing heavy criticism and leading to calls for the installation to be removed before the structure is ignited, reports RTE.
The display, which features more than a dozen figures in life jackets, has been positioned atop the bonfire in Moygashel, located near Dungannon.
Messages beneath the model boat include slogans like “stop the boats” and “veterans before refugees”, reports RTE.
Sinn Féin Assembly Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, condemned the display as “vile” and “deplorable”.
“This is an absolutely disgusting act, fuelled by sickening racist and far-right attitudes. This is a clear incitement to hatred and must be removed immediately. Those who come to our island to make it their home are not the enemy. They are our friends, our neighbours, and are welcomed, cherished and valued by the vast majority of people here. Political leaders in this area must step up, call for the removal of these offensive materials and make it clear they do not support such vile, deplorable views,” he said, reports RTE.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna also spoke out against the bonfire.
She commented that some who take part in Northern Ireland’s bonfire tradition appear motivated by “hate, confrontation and media rows”.
“Intricate effigies of humans beings, for burning. Who is this for?,” reports RTE.
Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director for Amnesty International, strongly criticised the display, calling it a “vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism”, reports RTE.
“It cruelly mocks the suffering of people who risk everything to flee war, persecution, and hardship in search of safety. Beyond being morally reprehensible, it incites hostility toward already marginalised and vulnerable communities. Amnesty International urges the authorities to ensure its immediate removal and calls on the PSNI to investigate and hold those responsible to account,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr Corrigan further stated that “a clear and unequivocal message” must be delivered that “xenophobia and incitement to hatred have no place in our society”.
Loyalist activist insists display was form of ‘artistic protest, reports RTE.
Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson defended the setup, describing it as a piece of “artistic protest”.
“Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration,” he posted on X, reports RTE.
“Their yearly art has itself become a tradition. This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration,” reports RTE.
The Moygashel bonfire has gained notoriety in recent years for its provocative designs.
Previously, it featured a mock police car, and in 2023, a model boat representing the post-Brexit Irish Sea trade barrier was burned, reports RTE.
The Moygashel bonfire is one of an estimated 300 that will be ignited in loyalist areas throughout Northern Ireland tomorrow evening and on July 11.
These fires are lit in advance of the Twelfth of July commemorations, a key date in the Protestant loyal order calendar, reports RTE.
Although most bonfires are held peacefully, some have drawn controversy due to the inclusion of flags, effigies, or political materials which are set alight.
Certain bonfires have also sparked public safety issues, reports RTE.
In Belfast, legal action is expected concerning a bonfire situated close to a power substation that supplies two major hospitals.
Power supplier NIE Networks said it has introduced safety precautions at the south Belfast site to prevent potential harm, reports RTE.
It’s been reported that communication has occurred between a Belfast law firm and several agencies, including the PSNI, NIEA, Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Department for Communities.
The PSNI said it “continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires”, reports RTE.
A spokesperson added: “As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”
The Belfast Health Trust has confirmed the substation supplies electricity to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital, reports RTE.
The trust stated that it is continuing to observe the situation regarding the bonfire near Donegall Road and, at this time, there is no need to cancel any appointments.
The PSNI has been contacted for a statement on the Moygashel bonfire, reports RTE.
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