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PSNI Probes Migrant Boat Effigy At Moygashel Bonfire As Hate Incident

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has pledged proportional enforcement to protect communities following cross-community condemnation of xenophobic slogans alongside a migrant boat effigy.

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Overview

  • Police Service of Northern Ireland is treating the Moygashel bonfire’s display of a migrant boat effigy and xenophobic slogans as a hate incident.
  • A model boat carrying mannequins in life jackets was topped with banners reading 'Stop the Boats' and 'Veterans before Refugees' above a pile of wooden pallets.
  • Political and religious leaders across Northern Ireland condemned the display as “deplorable”, “vile” and a clear incitement to hatred.
  • Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the effigy burning as legitimate political protest, citing a European Court of Human Rights ruling on effigy expression.
  • Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has deployed officers to 300 planned bonfires and vowed firm, proportional action to keep communities safe and uphold respect for all backgrounds.