Brother of Bangor man murdered in Myanmar angry suspect cannot be arrested

By Q radio news

A man wanted in connection with the murder of a Northern Irish teacher in Myanmar cannot be arrested despite apparently being in Scotland, police have said.

Interpol issued a "red notice" alert for Harris Binotti after 47-year-old colleague Gary Ferguson who's originally from Bangor was killed in November last year.

A report in the Scottish Sun newspaper said Binotti, 26, was seen leaving a flat in Craigton in Glasgow which he is said to share with his Belgian girlfriend.

Fugitive murder suspect Harris Binotti faking Dutch accent while living in Glasgowhttps://t.co/jhPw6A92CE pic.twitter.com/QbcREwzPxA

— The Scottish Sun (@ScottishSun) April 19, 2017

But Police Scotland says it has "no authority" to arrest Harris Binotti despite the red notice, something that has angered the victim's family.

Martin Ferguson who now lives in the Netherlands said he is angry no one has been brought before the courts yet.

"The police are keeping an eye out on him. They've told me they are serving and protecting the public. 

"I'm angry he's able to work and enjoy himself in Glasgow. I just hope everything will turn out OK and he will be arrested.

"Whatever happens, it won't bring back my brother or help with the loss.

"He's not able to provide for his wife or son. They're finding it hard to live with no source of income. We're trying to help them in whatever way we can."

Mr Ferguson had suffered head and chest wounds.

Police in Myanmar said Binotti had not been seen since he and Mr Ferguson were seen drinking together.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said in a statement: "The Myanmar authorities have the lead in the investigation into the death of Peter Gary Ferguson.

"Police Scotland has no authority to arrest anyone at this stage.

"Police Scotland will continually monitor any ongoing risk and take all appropriate measures."

Interpol alerted police forces around the world that Binotti is wanted on a charge of murder and describes him as 5ft 5in (1.68m), with brown hair and blue eyes.

Binotti and Mr Ferguson taught English at the Horizon International School in Yangon.

Am Interpol spokesman said: "At the request of Myanmar authorities, Interpol issued a red notice, or international wanted persons alert, for Mr Binotti.

"A red notice is a request to provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition issue upon the request of a member country based on a valid national arrest warrant. It is not an international arrest warrant."

Interpol said it did not arrest individuals, but added: "Many of Interpol's member countries, however, consider a red notice a valid request for provisional arrest."

A go fund me page has been set up to raise funds for the victim's wife and son who are struggling in Thailand.

You can donate here.