Campaign for Sakchai Makao

A young Shetland man of Thai origin was arrested in Lerwick in an early morning raid yesterday (Tuesday) and is presently being held in a police station in Glasgow.

Sakchai Makao, of 51 Haldane Burgess Crescent, has been living in Shetland for the last 13 years.

It is believed that the 23 year old's arrest may be linked to the Home Office's efforts to trace around 1,000 foreigners with a criminal record who have not been considered for deportation.

Mr Makao was sentenced to 15 months in prison for fire raising, in January 2004. He is presently employed at the Lerwick Clickimin Leisure Complex and is one of the isles' top athletes.

A local campaign (comments to [email protected]) to get Mr Makao back to Shetland has already been started and has also the support of isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

The local police force was not involved when Mr Makao's flat was raided by eight officers at around 7am.

Lerwick police sergeant Mark Czerniakiewicz was unable to confirm yesterday afternoon that such an operation had taken place in the town. However, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate confirmed that indeed the arrest had taken place.

Mr Makao was taken on the 2pm flight to Aberdeen. His mobile phone has been taken off him and his parents who live in London have unsuccessfully tried to get in touch with him all afternoon.

Davie Gardner, the father of a close friend of Mr Makao, said the treatment he had received was "absolutely inhumane".

He said Mr Makao had paid for "a moment of stupidity", but he was exonerated when the Shetland Recreational Trust decided to give him back his job at the local leisure centre.

Mr Gardner said: "He has most certainly never stepped out of the line since. He got his job back, is terrific with kids and is very friendly with us. He is the best guy that comes around the house.

"It is an absolute crime to send him back to a country he has never really lived in..."

See also the reports here and here - and sign the petition. (Thanks: BrS.)