Sinn Féin warns failure to remove Belfast bonfire will empower mob rule

Police in Northern Ireland are facing criticism from Sinn Féin for potentially giving in to 'mob rule' if they do not assist in dismantling a loyalist bonfire that poses risks to public health and energy supplies.

Loyalist paramilitaries have threatened disorder if the bonfire on Meridi Street in Belfast is taken down, scheduled to be lit on Friday as part of loyalist commemorations.

A Belfast city council committee has voted to send contractors to remove the bonfire, located on a site with asbestos and near an electricity substation powering two hospitals. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has declared a 'major incident' and is considering the council's request.

South Belfast paramilitary groups have warned of potential widespread disorder if the bonfire is dismantled, with loyalists in other areas staging riots to stretch police resources.

Sinn Féin assembly member Pat Sheehan has urged the police to take immediate action to protect public health and critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need to prevent 'mob rule' from influencing decisions about the bonfire.

Sheehan also called on unionist representatives to condemn the bonfire, one of 300 to be lit during the annual celebration of King William III's victory over Catholics at the battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Separately, a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, featuring an effigy of a migrant vessel with mannequins in lifejackets and anti-refugee placards, has drawn criticism from Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell as racist and inhumane.

The bonfire also includes an Irish national flag and is set to be lit on Thursday night.

According to the source: The Guardian.