Tonight the Police Service of Northern Ireland commenced a significant and complex policing operation to remove a hate display from the Moygashel bonfire. This was at an advanced stage when the bonfire was lit.
Had the bonfire not been lit police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s investigation into this hate motivated crime is ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said:
“Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated. That is why tonight we commenced a proactive policing operation to take action and remove the hate display from Moygashel Bonfire. Before police arrival the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.
“Where there is evidence that offences have been committed, we will take robust action.
“As part of our ongoing investigation, a 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred. He is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 July. As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”