Matthew Hedges: British academic charged with spying in UAE is released on bail
PhD student's wife says she is 'still hoping for justice'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The British academic charged with spying by the United Arab Emirates has been released on bail after spending nearly six months in solitary confinement.
Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old PhD student at Durham University, was arrested at Dubai airport on 5 May and accused of “jeopardising the military, economy and political security” of the country.
He appeared in court in the capital Abu Dhabi earlier this month but the case was adjourned until 21 November.
The Foreign Office has now confirmed Mr Hedges has been released on bail.
He will have to wear an ankle bracelet and was warned he may have to return to jail, according to the BBC.
“As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, there are limits to what we can say publicly on Matthew’s case due to ongoing legal proceedings,” a spokeswoman for the FCO said.
“We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family.
“Our staff are in close contact with Matthew’s wife, Daniela, offering her all possible support at what we appreciate is a hugely difficult time. We also remain in regular contact with his lawyer.
“It is the longstanding policy of successive UK governments not to comment on intelligence matters.”
Mr Hedges’ wife Daniela Tejada, from Exeter, said Mr Hedges was “glad to be breathing fresh air” after his release but remained shocked by his arrest.
Ms Tejada said her husband had been been held in solitary confinement since his arrest with limited access to the UK consulate or his family.
Last week she called on the UK government to “clarify publicly that Matt is innocent of the charges and that there have been many falsehoods said about him.”
“Matt was told he was being charged with gathering information and sharing it with a foreign agency – the UK government,” she said.
“It is the duty of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to protect their citizens abroad. This horrifying situation has been going on for far too long. This has been incredibly stressful and emotionally draining.”
Mr Hedges’ family say he was examining the impact of the Arab Spring on the UAE’s foreign policy and security strategy during a two week research trip.
More than 100 academics from around the world have signed a petition demanding his release.
“Matt is an innocent man,” said Ms Tejada. ”He was in the UAE to finish his PhD. The evidence will undoubtedly show this.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments