British academic jailed for life in the United Arab Emirates for spying

LONDON – The British government warned on Wednesday against "repercussions" after the conviction of a British academic at life imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates, who accused him of spying on behalf of the Great -Britain.

Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old student from Durham University, was sentenced to life imprisonment during a short court hearing in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, according to his family.

Hedges was arrested on May 5 at the Dubai International Airport following a two-week trip to the country, where he was conducting research on the security and foreign policy of the Emirates for his dissertation. PhD. Last month, he was accused of espionage.

"Today 's verdict does not correspond to what we expect from a friend and trusted UK partner and goes against the assurances given previously," he said. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in a statement. He said he raised the case with the UAE authorities during a trip to Abu Dhabi last week.

"I have repeatedly stressed that the handling of this case by the UAE authorities would affect the relations between our two countries, which must be based on trust. I regret the fact that we have reached this position and urge the United Arab Emirates to reconsider their decision, "he said.

Hedges' wife, Daniela Tejada, said Wednesday she saw her husband shaking while the judge sentenced him to life. "I'm completely shocked and I do not know what to do. Matthew is innocent, "she said in a statement.

"The Foreign Office knows this and has made it clear to the UAE authorities that Matthew was not a spy for them. This whole thing has been treated horribly from the very beginning, no one taking Matthew's case seriously. British consular agents reportedly monitored Wednesday's five-minute session.

Hedges was released unexpectedly on parole last month after his health deteriorated for four months in solitary confinement. The academic's family said he vomited every day after the prison authorities provided him with a cocktail of antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday in Parliament that she was "deeply disappointed and concerned about today 's verdict" and that she would present the case at the most. high level to the United Arab Emirates authorities.

In a statement posted on its website, the University of Durham stated that Mr. Hedges had started his PhD in 2013 and that his thesis was about to be completed. "His university colleagues appreciate his work, highlighting both his diligence and his level of knowledge, as well as his undeniable passion and interest for the Arab Gulf and its people," said the university.

Karen E. Young, a Middle East researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, tweeted that the conviction could have a deterrent effect on the university community.

"This sentence is very harsh and will have a deterrent effect on the research community, dialogue and interpersonal connections," she wrote. "The Gulf Stock Exchange is based on networks and trust. After the Qatari crisis, this further limits (and politicizes) academic collaboration and the knowledge economy that we so badly need. "

Loveluck reported from Beirut.

Read more

Today's coverage of Swiss Post correspondents around the world

Love Washington Post World on Facebook and stay up to date on foreign news