Also set ablaze were posters with the names of four police officers murdered by protesters in the 1970s, prompting relatives of the officers to slam those responsible.
The Republicans repeat the ritual in the Bogside neighbourhood every year on August 15, to commemorate the killing of 14 protesters by British soldiers in 1972 — an incident known as Bloody Sunday. Israeli flags were burned last year too. Next to the murals honoring the dead protesters there were Palestinian flags flying.
“We take hate crime very seriously and actively investigate all incidents reported to us,” said local police inspector Paul McCracken, quoted by British media.
“Hate crime is wrong on all levels and the Police Service of Northern Ireland will do everything it can to ensure that everyone, from whatever background, can live free from prejudice, fear and discrimination,” he added.
