UAE sentences British PhD student to life in prison

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) sentenced a British PhD student to life in prison Wednesday on charges of “spying for or on behalf of” the United Kingdom, according to the BBC.

31-year-old Matthew Hedges from Durham University claims he is innocent and that he was researching the country’s security strategy.

Prosecutors say he admitted to the charges in an Abu Dhabi court. 

{mosads}”The defendant confessed in detail to his crimes during investigations whereby he was accorded his full rights and assurances as per the UAE constitution and state laws to fair and transparent trial,” Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi told BBC.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt was “seeking a call with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed” to discuss the case.

Hunt said he was “deeply shocked and disappointed” by the verdict.

Hedges’ family said in a statement that he was made to sign a document in Arabic which turned out to be a confession, despite the fact that he does not speak or read the language.

According to Abu Dhabi newspaper The National, a life sentence would mean a maximum of 25 years in jail, after which Hedges would be deported.

Hedges has 30 days to appeal the decision, the paper also reports.