asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made about the journalist and cameraman who have been arrested and imprisoned in the north of Niger, and who may face the death penalty. [HL1206]

I understand the noble Lord's Question refers to the case of Mr Dandois, a French-British dual national, and his colleague, a French national. Mr Dandois was travelling in Niger on his French passport. As such his interests are primarily being looked after by the French Government, as are those of his colleague.

The Government have been working closely with the French embassy in Niger, through its representative in Niamey, to clarify the status of and charges against Mr Dandois. If Mr Dandois is indeed charged with a potentially capital offence, the Government would join France in making formal representations to the Government of Niger. The death penalty remains on the statute book in Niger, even though no execution has taken place since 1976.