POLICE in Northern Ireland are still “gathering evidence” over the burning of flags, effigies and election posters on bonfires marking ‘The Twelfth’, despite already treating the destruction of Union flags and bunting as a hate crime this week.
Twelfth commemorations in Northern Ireland – which celebrate the victory of King William of Orange over King James II in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 - are traditionally ushered in the evening before with ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfires, and often involve displays of sectarianism and ethnic hatred through the burning of symbols associated with Irish republicanism and Catholicism.
A statement released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) shortly before the lighting of the pyres said that it had received a number of complaints, and would “review to establish whether offences have been committed”.
However, the tearing down of Union flags and bunting in a field in Co Tyrone were also being investigated this week, with a PSNI spokesperson commenting: “The incident is being treated as a hate crime.”
Following this, artist Sara O’Neill wrote on Twitter: “Ok PSNI.. if burning images of people, flags & threatening slogans can’t also be immediately classed as a hate crime or an offence then things need to change..”
Complaints regarding the Eleventh Night bonfires have been made by representatives of Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance and People Before Profit.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly 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.”
People Before Profit leader Gerry Carroll also commented: "It is incredibly disappointing and saddening to see my election posters, and the images of other political representatives, being burned on bonfires tonight.
''Unfortunately, there has been a deafening silence from many Unionist politicians in the face of this kind of sectarian intimidation. It is time for leadership, and to demand an end to this provocation.”
A PSNI spokesperson told the National: “In line with legislation in Northern Ireland, where a report is made in relation to an alleged crime which is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice against a protected characteristic, it will be recorded as a hate crime and an investigation will be conducted. Where no offence is found to have been committed, the matter may be recorded as a non-crime hate incident. The incidents in question are still subject to investigation.”
Fire and rescue crews throughout Northern Ireland received a total of 203 emergency calls during the Eleventh Night, and responded to 35 operational incidents relating to the bonfires.
With 573 loyalist parades planned for the celebrations, 33 of which following routes considered to be sensitive, the PSNI has stated that 2500 police officers – roughly a third of its total strength – will be on duty.
