Durham University academic accused of spying in United Arab Emirates sentenced to life in prison

Durham University academic Matthew Hedges, who was accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2018, 10:48 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2018, 11:05 BST
Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada. The British academic accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates. Pic by PA.Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada. The British academic accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates. Pic by PA.
Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada. The British academic accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates. Pic by PA.

Hedges, 31, was sentenced when he appeared in court in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Nikita Bernardi, a representative for Mr Hedges' family, said.

The Middle Eastern studies specialist visited the country to research his PhD thesis and was arrested in Dubai Airport on May 5.

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At the last hearing, on October 24, a court-appointed lawyer maintained Mr Hedges' innocence, arguing that the evidence brought forward - Mr Hedges' notes from his PhD research - did not contain anything confidential, meaning the court should review it before passing judgment.

The court agreed and postponed the hearing until November 21.

Mr Hedges was released from detention on October 29 and had since been staying in Dubai, with an ankle bracelet monitoring his movements.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and Minister of State for the Middle East Alistair Burt, have both previously travelled to the UAE to make representations on Mr Hedges' behalf.

Related topics:Jeremy Hunt