Derry bonfire: flags' display being treated as a 'hate crime'

The appearance of flags and banners on a bonfire last night (Thursday)in the Bogside area of Londonderry, is being treated as a 'hate crime'.

The bonfire (main pic) had union flags, a King Charles coronation flag and the flag of Israel all displayed.

In a statement to Downtown Radio & Cool FM, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are investigating material placed on bonfires in Derry/Londonderry which is being treated as hate crimes."

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy branded the burning of flags on bonfires "unacceptable" and he called for this to "stop now".

He also praised the work of Féile Derry in "organising a packed programme of positive community events in the Bogside, Creggan and surrounding areas."

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said, “The burning of flags and emblems is wrong. No culture or tradition is enhanced through such actions.

"The type of bonfires that burn emblems or flags and try and taunt the other side of the community – that doesn’t further anybody’s culture and certainly isn’t something that should be celebrated.

"We need to get away from the days where the burning of flags and emblems is acceptable.

"We should be focused on making progress in Northern Ireland and ensuring that the tradition of bonfires in different communities can be taken forward peacefully and positively without the need to denigrate others."

“They (flags) are in stark contrast to the positive work that is being done in the community to showcase everything that is good about Derry and its people," he added.

There was condemnation n July from politicians including Secretary of State Hilary Benn after threatening messages and sectarian banners along with effigies were placed on traditional Eleventh night bonfires.