New photo British academic accused of spying in UAE is 'jailed for life'

A British academic accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates has been jailed for life today.

Matthew Hedges, a specialist in Middle Eastern studies at Durham University, appeared in court in Abu Dhabi today for a hearing 'lasting less than five minutes' - six months after his arrest in Dubai Airport.

It comes just weeks after the 31-year-old said being held in solitary confinement had left him suicidal. 

Yesterday, his wife, Daniela Tejada, who attended the hearing, posted on Twitter: 'Tomorrow, Nov 21, Matt will be appearing in court in Abu Dhabi. Hoping that justic will prevail and my husband will be granted his rightful freedom.'

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said this morning he was 'deeply shocked' by the life sentence, which carries a maximum term of 25 years.

A court in the United Arab Emirates has sentenced British academic Matthew Hedges (pictured with his wife Daniela Tejada) to life in prison after he was accused of spying

Matthew Hedges (pictured with wife Daniela Tejada), a specialist in Middle Eastern studies at Durham University, appeared in court in Abu Dhabi today - six months after his arrest in Dubai Airport

Yesterday, Mr Hedges' wife, Daniela Tejada, who attended the hearing posted on Twitter: 'Tomorrow, Nov 21, Matt will be appearing in court in Abu Dhabi. Hoping that justic will prevail and my husband will be granted his rightful freedom.'

'I am deeply shocked and disappointed,' he said. 'Today's verdict is not what we expect from a friend and trusted partner of the United Kingdom and runs contrary to earlier assurances.' 

The life sentence was confirmed by family spokesperson Nikita Bernardi, who said: 'The hearing lasted less than five minutes, and his lawyer was not present.'

According to The National, Mr Hedges, was convicted by the Federal Appeals Court for attempting to procure sensitive information during a trip to the Emirates earlier this year.

In the UAE, life includes up to 25 years in jail followed by deportation. Mr Hedges, who was also ordered to pay legal fees, has the right to appeal the sentence within 30 days.  

Mr Hedges went to the UAE to research his PhD thesis, where he was accused of spying for the British Government and arrested.

At Mr Hedge's last hearing on October 24, his court-appointed lawyer maintained that he is innocent.

Mr Hedges, was convicted by the Federal Appeals Court for attempting to procure sensitive information during a trip to the Emirates earlier this year, local media reported

On October 29, Mr Hedges was released on bail after five months in solitary confinement and he has since been staying in Dubai with an ankle bracelet monitoring his movements.

At the time, he said he had expressed suicidal thoughts because jail conditions have caused him severe anxiety and panic attacks. 

He said he had not had his passport returned to him and was being made to wear an ankle bracelet. 

Mr Hedges' wife, Daniela, of Exeter, said in October that he is tired and 'shocked by everything', but in a good mood and 'glad to be breathing fresh air' after his release.

She also spoke of her hope for 'justice'. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has previously said there are limits to what it can say publicly about the case because of the legal proceedings.

It said it was monitoring developments closely and staff were in close contact with Mr Hedges' wife Daniela, offering her support.

According to The National, a full statement from the court, translated from Arabic said: 'The Federal Appeals Court of Abu Dhabi sentenced Matthew Hedges, 31, to life imprisonment after being convicted of spying on the UAE and providing sensitive security and intelligence information to third parties. 

'The court also ruled that he would be deported from the country after the execution of the sentence and would be charged the costs of the legal case. 

'The court ordered the confiscation of all his equipment, devices, research and studies. The convicted person has the right to challenge the ruling with the State Security Department of the Federal Supreme Court within a maximum period of 30 days.'

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News Pictures British academic accused of spying in UAE is 'jailed for life'

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