Police treat Bogside effigy burning as sectarian-motivated hate crime
Authorities in Derry are investigating three bonfires lit on Saturday night as sectarian-motivated hate crimes after photographs of the First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, and a range of flags and memorabilia were attached to a large bonfire in the Bogside.
The bonfires, which were lit on the evening of 15 August in the Bogside, Creggan and Top of the Hill areas, attracted crowds. Police observed from the city walls overlooking the Bogside as pallets were set alight shortly before 23:00 BST, and fireworks were reported to have been let off at around 22:45.
Sinn Féin described the act of burning images of the First Minister as both "anti-democratic" and "sectarian". The party condemned the burning on the Bogside bonfire where, according to reports, photos of Michelle O'Neill were attached alongside union jacks, Israeli flags, material referencing the Parachute Regiment and Somme remembrance, and Northern Ireland flags.
"The small number of young people and children involved, often manipulated by others who stand in the shadows, are not representative of the majority of young people who are engaged in positive and productive cultural activities all year round."
The comment above was made by North Belfast MP John Finucane, who said such bonfires "disgracefully imitate the most offensive aspects of loyalist bonfires in their sectarianism, their criminality and recklessness" and warned that the events were "the very antithesis of Irish republicanism".
What was found and removed ahead of the bonfire
Earlier in the week, authorities removed almost 500 pallets that had been placed for the Bogside bonfire. During that operation, police and the Department for Infrastructure uncovered a number of other items beneath the Lecky Road flyover, including poppy wreaths and a World War I commemoration banner; inquiries into how those items came to be there are ongoing.
| Location | Items attached (reported) |
|---|---|
| Bogside (Lecky Road) | Photo of Michelle O'Neill, union jacks, Israeli flags, Parachute Regiment and Somme items, Northern Ireland flags |
| Creggan (Bligh's Lane) | Flags, banners and other items placed on bonfire |
| Top of the Hill (Corrody Road) | Flags and effigies reported |
Local reaction and wider context
Reaction among political figures has been strongly critical. Sinn Féin said the burning of the images was anti-democratic and sectarian. North Belfast MP John Finucane characterised the events as a form of "hate filled sectarianism" and lamented the apparent involvement of young people and children, suggesting some were being manipulated by others in the background.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who had welcomed earlier removals of material destined for the Bogside bonfire earlier in the week, said she commended those who removed pallets and other material and urged communities to find ways to mark occasions that do not place homes and people at risk. She emphasised the need to celebrate culture in a manner that is safe and inclusive.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed it is treating the burning of effigies and the placement of certain materials on the bonfires as sectarian-motivated hate crimes. Officers are carrying out enquiries into the origin of items found at the sites and who was responsible for placing them.
- Three bonfires were lit across Derry on the evening in question.
- Police removed almost 500 pallets from under the Lecky Road flyover earlier in the week.
- Investigations are continuing into the placement of wreaths and commemorative banners uncovered during the removals.
Bonfires on 15 August are traditional in some nationalist communities in Northern Ireland, marking the Feast of the Assumption. However, this year's events in Derry have prompted swift condemnation from political representatives and further policing enquiries amid concerns the displays crossed into sectarian intimidation.
As inquiries continue, community leaders and parties have stressed the importance of ensuring that cultural expression does not endanger residents or foster division in an already sensitive civic landscape.
