British academic charged with spying by United Arab Emirates

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.

The UAE government said: “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.”

The Foreign Office indicated on Monday that it was aware of the reports that Hedges had been charged but a spokeswoman declined to offer any further comment than that released last week.

At the time, a spokesperson said the foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, had raised the case with his UAE counterpart, saying: “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.”

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.

“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,” she said. “I have not received an official translation of the statement from the UAE attorney general apparently published today.

“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.