Some 17 French Parliamentarians have demanded a parliamentary enquiry on the treatment of their citizens in foreign countries, especially Thierry Michel Atangana who was detained in Cameroon for 17 years. The Franco-Cameroonian was thrown behind bars in 1997 and was only released two years back.

The French parliamentarians made the declaration in the Weekly publication of Marianne. According to them, France does not have to abandon its children because it is her obligation to support all its citizens imprisoned abroad.

According to them 20% of 2558 French citizens who have been imprisoned abroad, approximately 518are not supported by French Government. According to Jeune Afrique’s website, the main reason for the parliamentary enquiry is due to the detention of Thierry M. Atangana which has been described as arbitrary.

Thierry Michel Atangana is claiming from the government the sum of FCFA 278 billion as damages he incurred during his 17 years detention.