Anti-migrant bonfire – culture or hatred?

A "lavishly prepared art display" against migrants, placed on a loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland, was strongly condemned by local politicians, the public, and human rights activists. The event sparked serious debate and heated public discussions.

On the bonfire located in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone, there was a model of a boat made of chemical materials, with dozens of human-like mannequins dressed in life jackets. This depiction shook public consciousness on the eve of the loyalists' traditional July celebration held annually in Northern Ireland.

Placards placed beneath the boat read "Stop the boats" and "Veterans before refugees." This is a highly sensitive topic amid the ongoing political discussions and public discourse around migration policy in the UK.

Colm Gildernew, a member of the Assembly from Sinn Féin, said:

"This repulsive act is laced with hatred and racist ideology. Those who come to our island to make it their home are not enemies. They are our friends, neighbors, and are valued and welcomed by the majority of people here."

Malachy Quinn, an SDLP councillor, reported the incident to the police and emphasized that such acts cannot be called "culture":

"This is not pride, it is poison. Intimidation and racism are not culture."

Eddie Roofe from the Alliance Party also opposed the display and stated it must be urgently removed:

"Such demonstrations only aim to spread fear and radical ideas. They do not represent the community as a whole."

In its statement, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) emphasized that loyalist bonfires should be "positive cultural celebrations," and burning flags, effigies or other offensive symbols should not take place.

However, loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the Moygashel display. On Twitter (X) he wrote:

"The Moygashel bonfire annually combines cultural celebration with a form of social protest. This year, the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration."

Such incidents have occurred in the past too: burning Irish flags, nationalist politicians' effigies, and spreading seeds of hatred and division in society. This year, the incident gained new significance amid the UK's increasing attention to migrants crossing the Channel by small boats.

Recent anti-immigrant riots in Ballymena and other cities have worsened the context.

Community figures like Martha Farrell emphasize that these so-called "art displays" contain hatred, racism, and ideas that divide society.

This incident shows that certain actions taken under the name of cultural celebrations can not only heighten tensions between communities but also damage broader societal values like security and tolerance.

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