An anti-immigration notice has been taken down by local authorities from a roadside in the village of Co Tyrone. The sign displayed the words “no illegal immigrants for one mile”, accompanied by an illustration of individuals in a small boat, and was spotted on Moygashel’s pavement on Monday. Police were quickly on the scene to take down the sign shortly after 2.30pm.
A representative of the PSNI confirmed the removal of the sign, indicating the situation is being examined as a potential hate crime prompted by racial bias. The local police force is currently carrying out further investigations into the matter and encouraging anyone who might have helpful information to get in touch, referencing case 1011 from 02/09/24.
This issue arises during a period of amplified anxiety surrounding racially motivated violence and incidents linked to race in Northern Ireland, the region with the highest reported number of race-related issues recorded last year. During the 12 months from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) recorded a total of 1,411 incidents. These figures were noted prior to the recent wave of race-related episodes in August that followed anti-immigration demonstrations in Belfast.
Racial tension in Belfast and targeted assaults against businesses owned by members of ethnic minorities occurred amidst UK-wide unrest fuelled by false information circulated on social media after the tragic murder of three children in Southport.
In Londonderry, politicians condemned the racist and sectarian graffiti that was discovered on several properties in a new housing development over the weekend. Local community representatives identified the graffiti, found on various houses in the Church Brae region, as discriminatory and prejudiced.
Sinn Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson spoke out about the incident, describing it as the newest in a series of hateful and intimidating actions meant to deter people from residing in just-built homes. He stressed that it’s the responsibility of all political and community leaders to denounce this racially and religiously motivated bullying.
SDLP Councillor Sean Mooney chimed in, asserting that the perpetrators of the vandalism do not represent the residents of the Waterside area, a community composed of a diverse array of people living and working harmoniously together.
The attempt to instill fear will be wholeheartedly dismissed and political leaders must express their strongest possible condemnation,” said Gary Middleton, DUP Foyle MLA. He asserted that these incidents don’t typify the region. Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Middleton stated, “This is untenable and mustn’t go undenounced. We, as a society, are obligated to demonstrate zero-tolerance towards such conduct.”
The police are handling the Derry incident as a hate crime. A spokesperson expressed: “This won’t be borne. We are committed to maintain a close working rapport with our partners, community leads and elected members. Hate crime absolutely has no standing in our society. Rest assured, we won’t hold back in our efforts to identify the perpetrators.” – Press Association.