Police in Northern Ireland arrested a 56-year-old man on July 9, 2026, on suspicion of displaying material intended to stir up hatred.
The arrest followed the placement of a replica mosque on top of a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone.
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The bonfire is scheduled to be lit on Friday night ahead of the traditional Twelfth of July celebrations.
The display has drawn widespread condemnation from politicians, religious leaders, and human rights groups.
Community and Political Reaction
Kashif Akram from the Belfast Islamic Centre said the replica mosque was deeply upsetting for Muslims across Northern Ireland.
He noted that the community was already anxious after recent racially motivated riots in Belfast.
“A mosque is a place of worship, peace and community and to use it in this way is experienced as an act of intimidation and disrespect towards an entire faith community,” Akram said.
He acknowledged the right to celebrate heritage but stressed that traditions should not target another community.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International called the effigy a blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred.
“The placing of an effigy of a mosque on top of a bonfire amounts to incitement to hatred directed at real people who live, work and raise families in Northern Ireland,” he said.
SDLP councillor Carl Whyte described the display as “absolutely disgusting” and “racist.”
Fellow SDLP councillor Karol McQuade called it “vile, dangerous and deeply irresponsible,” urging those responsible to remove it immediately.
