International
UK student accused of espionage slammed with life sentence by UAE court
An Abu Dhabi’s Federal Court of Appeal has handed a life sentence to British student Matthew Hedges, 31, for espionage.
Hedges bagged the sentence after he was convicted of spying and supplying sensitive security info to external actors.
The verdict was handed down on Wednesday, a move described as deeply disappointing by British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Read also: KHASHOGGI: US politicians accuse Trump of foot-dragging over sanctions against Saudi Arabia
“We can confirm that he was sentenced to life in prison. The hearing lasted less than five minutes, and his lawyer was not present,” Hedges’ family spokesperson said.
Reports say Hedges, a PhD student at Durham University, was arrested on May 5 at Dubai airport after a two-week research visit.
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