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British academic charged with spying by United Arab Emirates British academic charged with spying by United Arab Emirates
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A British academic has been charged with spying in the United Arab Emirates, the country’s authorities said, five months after he was arrested at the end of a study trip.A British academic has been charged with spying in the United Arab Emirates, the country’s authorities said, five months after he was arrested at the end of a study trip.
Matthew Hedges, 31, a doctoral student at Durham University, was arrested on 5 May at Dubai airport after a two-week visit and has been kept in solitary confinement since then, his wife Daniela Tejada, said last week. Matthew Hedges, 31, a doctoral student at Durham University, was arrested on 5 May at Dubai airport after a two-week visit and has been kept in solitary confinement since then, his wife Daniela Tejada said last week.
The country’s government said in a statement: “The attorney general of United Arab Emirates … confirmed today that Mr Matthew Hedges, a British citizen, has been charged with spying for and on behalf of a foreign State, jeopardizing the military, economy and political security of the UAE.” The UAE government said in a statement: “The attorney general of United Arab Emirates … confirmed today that Mr Matthew Hedges, a British citizen, has been charged with spying for and on behalf of a foreign state, jeopardising the military, economy and political security of the UAE.”
After news of Hedges’ detention was reported last week the Foreign Office said: “Our staff are supporting a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are assisting his family and remain in close contact with the local authorities. The foreign secretary has also personally raised his case with his Emirati counterpart.” After news of Hedges’ detention was reported last week a Foreign Office spokesperson said the foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, had raised the case with his UAE counterpart, adding: “Our staff are supporting a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are assisting his family and remain in close contact with the local authorities.”
Hedges has only been allowed a handful of visits from his wife and Foreign Office officials since he was seized, the Times reported. It said he was taken to the UAE’s state security court for a hearing last Wednesday but no charges were outlined and the case was adjourned. On Monday, Tejada said she had seen no official confirmation that Hedges faced trial. But, responding to such reports from media outlets, she said he was a man of principle with an “impeccable track record”. Tejada said she was concerned about her husband’s mental health because he has been held in solitary confinement.
Tejada told the Times that her husband had been unharmed physically but had suffered panic attacks and depression. During a visit in July to see him she said it was clear that her husband had been medicated. “I have not been sent any official indication from the UAE nor the FCO [Foreign Office] that Matt was taken to court today. As his wife I have been informed that his trial is going to resume on Wednesday 24 October.
“He was constantly shaking. He clearly did not expect to see me. He seemed to be very cautious about what he said and what he didn’t say, which leads me to think he might have been coerced into saying or not saying certain things,” she said. “I have not received an official translation of the statement from the UAE attorney general apparently published today.
Tejada said that her husband was studying Emirati security policies after the Arab spring and was aware of the risks as he had lived in Dubai when he was younger. “It breaks my heart that we have been married for nearly two years and only been able to spend four months together,” she told the paper. “I just want him back.” “What I can confirm is that my husband Matt has not received appropriate medical care and attention, especially in regard to his mental health. Matt has been kept in solitary confinement for over five months.
“Matt does not speak Arabic and is therefore unable to communicate fully with the court-appointed lawyer, who he has only met once, at his court hearing last week.
“Matt was in the UAE to carry out academic research for his PhD. Since he was detained on 5 May 2018, he has only ever been granted two consular visits which is in direct violation of his rights.
“Matt is a man of integrity and principle. He has a brilliant academic mind and an impeccable track record. He is kind and caring and greatly loved and respected. Please send him home.”
Hedges is said to have been prevented from discussing his case with British officials during their visits.
According to a profile on the Durham University website, Hedges’ research includes Middle Eastern politics, the changing nature of war, civil-military relations and tribalism.
The Foreign Office has not responded to a request for comment on the reports that Hedges has been charged.
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