Some 2,000 people including a prominent human rights solicitor have joined a campaign to protest against the eviction of convicted rioters and their families from council housing, the Gazette has learned.

The campaign’s supporters argue that evicting a rioter’s family is an unlawful collective punishment in contravention of article 33 of the Geneva Convention and article 50 of the Hague Regulations. These evictions will disrupt the lives of innocent people and cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds as people sue for compensation, the supporters add.

The campaign, People Against Riot Evictions (PARE), was launched by journalist and broadcaster Sonia Poulton, who was warned that it would probably be the least-popular campaign in history because of widespread public anger at the looting and rioting that spread across English cities.

Poulton said: ‘PARE does not condone the recent carnage on our streets, but it does oppose eviction for those who are convicted and their families. Many innocent people will suffer from this kneejerk reaction to a long-term problem, with the lives of families and children turned upside down in retribution for the behaviour of just one member of the family.’

Human rights solicitor Imran Khan of London firm Imran Khan & Partners has offered his support to the campaign, which includes a Facebook group and an online e-petition. A song, produced by a top music producer, is also to be released aimed at recruiting ‘street youth’ to the cause, Poulton said.