Thomas Dandois

Mr. MacShane
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has received on the detention of Thomas Dandois, a joint British-French national in Niger;

(2) if he will discuss the case of Thomas Dandois, currently detained in Niger, with the Foreign Minister of France;

(3) if he will make representations to the Government of Niger requesting the release of Thomas Dandois.

Meg Munn
Mr. Dandois and his French colleague were released from prison on bail on 18 January. There were no travel restrictions placed upon them as a condition of their bail and they have returned to France. The judgment on their case will take place at a later date.

Mr. Dandois is a dual French-British national who entered Niger on his French passport. He and his colleague were given consular assistance by the French embassy in Niger. The Government worked with the French embassy, through their representatives in Niamey, and with the French Foreign Ministry to clarify the status of the charges against Mr. Dandois. We will continue to liaise with the French Government and monitor the case.

We have received one previous parliamentary question, fourteen representations from hon. Members and a Peer and a number of letters from members of the public on this case.