Refugee effigies burned, Palestine murals defaced in Northern Ireland
The effigies, figures wearing life jackets, were placed alongside banners reading “Stop the Boats” and “Veterans before Refugees”
Northern Ireland (MNTV) – Two separate incidents in Northern Ireland — one involving the burning of refugee effigies on a bonfire, and the other defacement of pro-Palestinian murals — have sparked condemnation and police investigations over what are being treated as hate crimes.
In Moygashel, County Tyrone, a towering bonfire topped with a model of refugees in a boat was set alight on Thursday night, drawing strong criticism from across the political spectrum.
The effigies — eight figures wearing life jackets — were placed alongside an Irish flag and banners reading “Stop the Boats” and “Veterans before Refugees.”
The display comes just weeks after attacks on migrants’ homes in nearby Ballymena.
The bonfire was lit as part of annual July 12 celebrations by loyalist communities, which commemorate the 1690 victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James.
A large crowd, accompanied by pipe band music and fireworks, watched as the over 50-foot structure burned.
Irish parliamentarian Colm Gildernew called the display “deplorable” and “a clear incitement to hatred.”
Ulster Unionist Party leader and Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also condemned the effigies, saying they were “sickening” and “entirely out of step with what is supposed to be a cultural celebration.”
As reported by Reuters, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is investigating the bonfire display as a hate incident.
Defacement of Palestinian murals
In a separate case, police in Derry are treating the defacement of Palestinian solidarity murals as a hate crime.
Graffiti reading “IDF” was spray-painted over a “Free Palestine” mural, while another message reading “Muslim Out” appeared on a nearby wall in the Glen Road area.
The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) condemned the act, calling the graffiti “an absolute disgrace” and expressing support for efforts to restore the artwork. “A beautiful mural that paid tribute to the Palestinian people has been defaced with disgusting slogans,” said a spokesperson.
While no formal complaint has been lodged, PSNI confirmed they are aware of the graffiti and have appealed for information from the public.
Both incidents reflect rising concerns over anti-refugee and anti-Muslim sentiment in parts of Northern Ireland.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
