A CAMPAIGN to save an Afghan student from deportation has amassed 1,200 supporters and stretched across the world.

Abrahim Rahimi, 19, of Vauxhall Avenue, Canterbury, was present to see a petition signed on his behalf handed to city council Labour group leader Cllr Ron Pepper.

It included signatures from people living in Kent and other parts of the country, and even from Australia, where some of his English friends have spread the word.

Cllr Pepper will send the petition to Immigration Minister Tony McNulty, asking him to review his decision to refuse asylum to Abrahim.

The student came to the UK in 2002, having fled his homeland after his Communist Party minister father was murdered by the Northern Alliance.

“I know no one back in Kabul now. My family? I don’t know where they are or if they are alive or not,” he said.

Abrahim has been detained by immigration officials on two occasions. Last November he was snatched with his friend, 18-year-old Canterbury High School student Amin Buratee. And he was held again for two weeks in June.

The petition was co-ordinated by local groups including both the Simon Langton schools.

Tom Hancox, head boy at Simon Langton Boys’ school, said: “We are trying to get an appeal to the High Court, which is why this petition is so necessary as proof of support for Abrahim. It is very encouraging how many people have got involved.”

Abrahim is due to start a course in car mechanics at Canterbury College in September. To support the campaign to allow him to stay in the country contact Kate Adams, of the Kent Campaign to Defend Asylum Seekers, on 01227 266858.