A CAMPAIGN has been launched to keep a Lebanese family in Huddersfield.

Fouad Tarhini, 38, and his young family face being forcibly removed to Lebanon, where Mr Tarhini fears they will be persecuted.

He says he has taken part in peaceful protests against Syrian occupation and since then has been a target for the militia.

He said: "My car was taken by the militia and was smashed. They kept following me every time."

Mr Tarhini, who has a medical background and used to make hearing aids, said militiamen came to his house at night and threatened him.

His appeal for asylum in Britain was turned down and if he is deported he fears he will be jailed.

Supporters brought attention to the family's plight when they gathered on the steps of Huddersfield Town Hall.

Mr Tarhini said: "First of all I would be detained and me and my family could be persecuted.

"I would be put in prison for a long time, with no charge except expressing my opinions against them."

Mr Tarhini, his wife, Lodi Ghanawi, and daughters Farah, five, Mariam, three, and newly-born son Zain, live on Bradford Road.

Mr Tarhini continued: "We have freedom of speech here, but we don't have it there. If you say something you get persecuted because of what you say.

"While the Syrians were in Lebanon it was very awful living there. No freedom of speech, no freedom. If you're not involved with some parties related to Syrian militia you will get problems.

"You're always persecuted, they always follow you.

"I like people here. I find it better than life in my country. They are very friendly and supportive."

The family have been in Britain since January, 2004, when they arrived with a visa. Now campaigners are fighting to keep the family here.

Daughter Farah attends Spring Grove Junior Infant and Nursery School at Springwood.

Teacher Anne Ellis has helped organise the campaign. She said: "Mr Tarhini is a Muslim and strongly opposed to the occupation. He had a good business and many skills.

"His asylum case was turned down as it was concluded that he had not `established a well-founded fear of prosecution'.

"We are concerned about the welfare of all the family, living under constant fear of removal.

"Fouad and Lodi are exemplary parents who are striving to bring up their young family. The children are clever and well-balanced, a credit to their parents.

"This family is an asset to our country and should be allowed to live in safety."