A GROUP which campaigns for the rights of asylum seekers in Fareham and Gosport has launched a heartfelt pledge to save the life of a Congolese man who faces deportation and almost certain death in his homeland.

Neighbourlee, based in Lee-on-the-Solent, are campaigning to save the life of Willy Mpasi Mutwadi, who is facing forced removal back to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday.

They say their efforts are being backed by his fellow countryman and Portsmouth striker Lomana Tresor Lua Lua, as well as church leaders and politicians.

Mr Mpasi, a clinical biologist, was a familiar face at Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport after fleeing to the UK last year.

He claims he was forced to take part in a government-inspired plot to eliminate opposition politicians by administering lethal injections in his homeland.

His asylum application has now failed and he is set to be returned to a country where his brother has been killed for failing to give information and his wife and four children are in hiding.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Mpasi said: "I am disappointed that the Immigration Service has abused my good faith, and has used every deceit in order to get me out of the country quickly to avoid any judicial scrutiny of their actions."

Campaign co-ordinator Mike Brown said: "In view of the widespread and persistent intervention of so many people, including prominent politicians and church leaders, who are convinced he should stay, the secretary of state should recognise that it is not Mr Mpasi who has failed the asylum system.

"Rather it is the asylum system which has failed Mr Mpasi."

For more information, visit: www.neighbourlee.org/willympasi.htm