A 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred after a replica mosque was placed atop a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in an incident that has prompted a police investigation and widespread criticism.

The structure also featured signs carrying anti-immigration and anti-Muslim messages, including "Secure Our Borders" and "End the Threat of Radical Islam." Authorities received reports about the display before the bonfire was lit on Thursday evening. Videos showing the replica mosque burning quickly circulated across social media.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it is treating the display as a hate-motivated criminal offence. Following an investigation, officers arrested and charged the 56-year-old man with incitement to hatred.

The Moygashel Bonfire Association defended the display, describing it as a political protest against what it called "uncontrolled illegal mass immigration." The association had originally planned to ignite the bonfire on Friday.

Loyalist bonfires are an annual tradition across Northern Ireland ahead of the Orange Order parades on July 12, commemorating King William III's victory over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. While the celebrations are significant to many unionist communities, some bonfires have repeatedly drawn controversy for displaying Irish flags, political effigies, and messages targeting Catholics, immigrants, and other groups.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over sectarianism and hate-related displays during the annual bonfire season, with police continuing their investigation.