Wife of British academic jailed for life for 'spying' in UAE says she is 'very scared for Matt'

The wife of a British academic jailed for life for 'spying' in the United Arab Emirates has said she is 'in complete shock' - and insists he is innocent. 

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.

His wife, Daniela Tejada, who attended the hearing today said their 'nightmare has gotten even worse' and she is 'very scared for Matt', who denies the charge of spying and insists he was conducting research in the UAE when he was detained in May.

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


British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said this morning he was 'deeply shocked' by the life sentence, which carries a maximum term of 25 years, and warned of 'repercussions'. Prime Minister Theresa May vowed to raise it with authorities at the 'highest level'.

Ms Tejada, from Exeter, called on the British government to 'take a stand' adding: 'I am in complete shock and I don't know what to do. 

'Matthew is innocent. The Foreign Office know this and have made it clear to the UAE authorities that Matthew is not a spy for them.

'This whole case has been handled appallingly from the very beginning with no one taking Matthew's case seriously.

'The British Government must take a stand now for Matthew, one of their citizens. They say that the UAE is an ally, but the overwhelmingly arbitrary handling of Matt's case indicates a scarily different reality, for which Matt and I are being made to pay a devastatingly high price.

'This has been the worst six months of my life, let alone for Matt who was shaking when he heard the verdict. The UAE authorities should feel ashamed for such an obvious injustice.

'I am very scared for Matt. I don't know where they are taking him or what will happen now. Our nightmare has gotten even worse.'    

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

A Reuters journalist was barred from entering the court, which was closed to the public. 

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.





MailOnline