CAMPAIGNERS have been collecting signatures in support of a Congolese man sent back to his home country, despite concerns for his safety.

Stockton student Blaise Kamba was flown back to Kinshasa last week where, it has been claimed, the 28-year-old was immediately arrested by the Congolese authorities.

His sisters, Leitisha, 19, and Jeanine, 16, have been allowed to remain in Stockton.

Now supporters have launched a petition asking the Home Secretary to instigate an urgent review of the cases of Leitisha and Jeanine, and to take responsibility for the consequences of the deportation of Blaise.

Kath Sainsbury, of Justice First, said: “The petition was started before Blaise was sent home, but we decided to keep it going and we have now collected nearly 1,000 signatures to send to the Home Office.

“He should never have been sent back because his life was clearly in danger. He certainly should not have been separated from his sisters. They are the only family he has got.”

In 2006, the three siblings fled their home country after Blaise, a member of the protest group the Movement National Congolais Lumumba, attended a demonstration and was imprisoned.