An MSP has called for a Polish man to be released from a “soulless detention centre” so he can properly recover from witnessing his friend being swept away in the River Ness.
John Finnie, Scottish Green Party justice spokesman, issued a plea for “common humanity” to be shown to Kamil Luczak, who is awaiting deportation at the Colnbrook immigration removal centre in London.
Just yesterday, a detainee on suicide watch was found dead in his room at the same centre.
The Press and Journal understands that Mr Luczak was not involved.
However, his support worker has previously said that he should be hospitalised after suffering a breakdown following the disappearance of his friend and compatriot Marek Michalak on January 31.
Mr Luczak reported that he had tried unsuccessfully to save Mr Michalak when he fell into the river from the Greig Street bridge, in Inverness.
Police were this week continuing to search for the missing man, but no-one has been found.
The P&J revealed last week that Mr Luczak had been detained just days after the incident, and is facing deportation to Poland in connection with issues that are unrelated to Mr Michalak’s disappearance.
It is understood that he will find out the outcome of his appeal against the decision next week.
Last night, Mr Finnie said: “Although I haven’t been directly involved in the case I understand Mr Luczak has the support of a lawyer and that the Polish consulate are aware of his pending departure.
“From what I understand, the recent tragedy is not the reason the UK authorities seek to deport Mr Luczak, however, but it will have contributed to his very fragile mental state.
“I trust some common humanity can be applied and that Mr Luczak is released from that soulless detention centre, receives the necessary treatment and that any related issues are resolved with him remaining in Scotland.”
The treatment of detainees at Colnbrook was under the spotlight last night after a person was found “unresponsive in his room”.
It was reported that the death took place while the detainee was under “constant watch”, meaning the person should be under permanent supervision because they are considered a high suicide risk.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We can confirm that a detainee at Colnbrook immigration removal centre died in the early hours of this morning.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst the police, coroner and Prisons and Probation Ombudsman conduct their enquiries.”