Man arrested after mosque replica burned on loyalist bonfire
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Man arrested after mosque replica burned on loyalist bonfire

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country in north-west Europe
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  • A replica mosque was burned on a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland.
  • The Police Service of Northern Ireland attempted to intervene but could not prevent the incident.
  • The event has been condemned as an incitement to hatred and highlights rising Islamophobia.
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In Northern Ireland, a significant incident occurred when a replica mosque was placed atop a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, which was lit on July 12, 2026. This act was part of a long-standing tradition among Northern Ireland's Protestant loyalists, who celebrate the victory of Protestant King William III over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne. The bonfire, however, has drawn criticism in recent years for including hate displays, such as effigies of migrants and now, a replica mosque. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) attempted to intervene but were unable to prevent the burning of the mosque before it occurred. The incident has been condemned by various human rights organizations and community leaders, who view it as an incitement to hatred and a reflection of rising Islamophobia in the region. Naomi Green from the Muslim Council of Britain expressed her sadness and frustration over the event, highlighting the need for a community response beyond policing to address the underlying issues of intolerance and fear that such displays foster. The bonfire incident follows a series of violent events in Belfast, including race riots and attacks on immigrant communities, which have heightened tensions and fears among minority groups in Northern Ireland. The Muslim Council has called for the government to treat Islamophobia with the same seriousness as other hate crimes, emphasizing the importance of community leadership in combating such displays of hatred.