13/07/2022

Burning Of Effigies Described As A 'Hate Crime'

The burning of effigies of a number of political leaders has been described as a "hate crime" by Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly.

The effigies included First Minister Michelle O'Neill, party leader Mary Lou McDonald and other political figures.

He said: "Sinn Féin has reported a number of hate crimes to the PSNI related to bonfires.

"There is an onus on unionist political and community leaders to stand up against these displays of sectarian hatred and make it clear that there is no place for them in this society.

"The silence from some senior unionist leaders to date has been deafening.

"It is also simply not good enough for bonfire builders to say that they 'took a democratic decision' to commit hate crimes.

"The police say they have been gathering evidence on these hate crimes, what the public needs to see is action.

"All this highlights the need for safeguarding regulations around bonfires which has become an imperative.

"No bonfire should pose a threat to the safety of people, property or the environment or be an excuse for people to vent hate."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

20 March 2024
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
15 March 2024
Health Minister Outlines Priorities For NI Health Service
Health Minister Robin Swann has outlined his department's priorities for Northern Ireland's health service to MLAs. Minister Swann has said that "with the right combination of ambition, funding and joined up political leadership" NI's health and social care services can be turned around.
28 February 2020
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
16 October 2023
New Campaign Launches To Highlight 'Devastating Impact' Of Hate Crimes
A new campaign has been launched a new campaign to highlight the devastating impact that hate crime has on victims and to encourage everyone to report hate crime when they see it.
19 October 2023
PSNI Hosts Hate Crime Awareness Event In Moira
The PSNI have partnered with Lisburn and Castlereagh Policing Community Safety Partnership for a public meeting on Hate Crime Awareness public meeting in Moira.