A replica of a mosque placed atop a bonfire in Northern Ireland has drawn widespread criticism, with community leaders condemning it as an act of anti-Muslim hatred.
Police in County Tyrone said a 56-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of displaying threatening, abusive or insulting material intended to stir up hatred. The display was erected on a bonfire in Moygashel, a site that has previously featured controversial installations.
Kashif Akram of the Belfast Islamic Centre described the display as “deeply upsetting” for Muslims across Northern Ireland.
“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.
In a statement, the Moygashel Bonfire Association defended the display, saying it combined cultural expression with political protest and was “not targeted at individuals” but at “ideology and government policy.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions following recent racist attacks in parts of Northern Ireland, including unrest in Belfast last month.