An investigation is underway in Northern Ireland into the burning of a model of a mosque
In Northern Ireland, police have launched an investigation after a model of a mosque was burned at a traditional festive bonfire in the town of Moygashal, near Belfast. Law enforcement officials are treating the incident as a possible hate crime.
The model was placed on a large structure made of wooden pallets, which is traditionally set on fire on the eve of July 12. It depicted a human figure holding an object resembling a knife, and banners calling for “protecting the borders” and “putting an end to the threat of radical Islam” were placed nearby.
The organizers reported that the bonfire was lit earlier than planned after receiving information that the police were preparing to remove the structure.
A 56-year-old man has already been charged with incitement to hatred in connection with the incident. He is set to appear in court. Hillary Benn, the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, called the incident “a despicable and cowardly act of intimidation.”
Source: Reuters.
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