Eleventh Night's Polish Flag-Burning Under Fire

A group that represents the Polish community in Northern Ireland has condemned the burning of Polish flags on Belfast bonfires on July 11.

They described it as "racist intimidation" and said it could encourage hate crime directed at the 30,000 Poles living in Northern Ireland.

Polish flags were burnt on two east Belfast bonfires and posters for a Polish election candidate on a third.

The Polish Association Northern Ireland has written an open letter calling on politicians to take action.

Maciek Bator of the association said: "The Polish community embrace and respect all traditions here in Northern Ireland but we find this behaviour totally appalling and offensive.

"By burning the Polish flag and other symbols, some members of the local communities were able to express their strong political views and promote anti-Polish sentiments.

"For many participants, especially the youth and young people, the burning of the Polish flag could become a clear signal to expand hate to other aspects of life.

"There is already a high level of hate motivated incidents on members of the Polish community. We call on all political and community leaders in Northern Ireland to take urgent action to stop hatred and bigotry."

Alliance MLA Anna Lo has said it is "completely unacceptable" to burn any flag and described those responsible as "nothing more than bigots".

And a spokesperson for Belfast City Council said the issue would be raised in a regular evaluation of the annual bonfire night, which the council supports with financial grants.

(NE)