After the Dawn Raid

On 13 September 2005, the Vucaj family was taken into detention, prior to being ‘forcibly removed’ after five years in the UK. A 16 strong ‘Imigration Snatch Squad’ arrived at 6am, kicked in their door, handcuffed the father and two brothers, and transported the family to Yarlswood detention centre in England. Two weeks later, they were deported from the UK and flown back to Albania.
A campaign was started by the friends of Saida Vucaj (13 years old) at Drumchapel high school in Glasgow and the campaign gathered strength with the Children’s Commissioner for Scotland calling for a ‘public outcry’ over handling of families facing deportation and the First Minister, Jack McConnell stating ‘these scandalous immigration practices are causing trauma and distress, and blatantly disregard children’s rights.’
These photographs were taken two days after the family was ‘dawn raided’ before the flat was cleared for its next inhabitants.
Shortly after these photographs were taken, friends of the Vucajs packed these suitcases which were meant to be sent out to the family in Albania.
The Vucaj Campaign continues today. Please see www.paih.org for details.