TWO Latvian asylum seekers have been deported from Scotland eight weeks before they could legally settle in the country as economic migrants, it emerged yesterday. The move was condemned as inhumane and a waste of taxpayers' money by opposition politicians and asylum campaigners, who also attacked Jack McConnell's efforts to attract migrants to Scotland as "hypocritical". However, the Home Office indicated that it would continue to pursue a hard line against failed asylum seekers from the 10 "ascension states" which are due to join the EU on May 1. Jelena Serenja, 21, and Genadis Suhotskis, 31, were arrested 11 days ago when they reported to immigration officials in Glasgow. The Home Office confirmed to The Herald that they have subsequently been flown out of the country.

The couple, who have previously been detained in Dungavel asylum seeker removal centre, came to Scotland in 2001 after claiming to have uncovered government corruption in Latvia. Ms Serenja has a bullet wound in her shoulder which she claims was the result of an assassination attempt. Although this was accepted by the government, their asylum application was turned down. Friends and supporters said they were unsure whether they have been taken to Russia or Latvia.

Rosie Kane, the Scottish Socialist MSP who has written to the Home Office on their behalf, received a text message from their mobile phone yesterday complaining that they had been beaten by Home Office officials and separated from their possessions. But she has been unable to contact them. She said yesterday the "human and emotional cost" of deporting them had been ignored by the government. "There will be others this will be happen to. They are treated like balls in a pinball machine, being battered around the planet," she said. "There's an aspect to it which says that, if the Home Office admits this couple are in danger in Latvia, it will sour relations with the country before it joins the EU. People are scapegoated for just that political purpose." The Herald