The Abu Dhabi Federal Court on Wednesday sentenced British defendant Matthew Hedges to life imprisonment after he admitted before the court to the charges brought against him by the Public Prosecution.
The accusations attributed to Hedges included spying for the benefit of a foreign state in a way that damages Abu Dhabi’s military, political and economic status.
The defendant came to the UAE under the guise of an academic researcher.
His confessions matched the information obtained by the examination of his electronic devices and those concluded by the security services.
A statement issued by the relevant court said: “The Federal Appeals Court of Abu Dhabi sentenced Matthew Hedges, 31, to life imprisonment after being convicted of spying on the UAE and providing sensitive security and intelligence information to third parties.”
“The court also ruled that he would be deported from the country after the execution of the sentence and would be charged the costs of the legal case. The court ordered the confiscation of all his equipment, devices, research and studies.”
“The convicted person has the right to challenge the ruling with the State Security Department of the Federal Supreme Court within a maximum period of 30 days.”
Last month, Hedges was released on bail, but will now be jailed again until his appeal before the Federal Supreme Court.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May commented on the verdict, telling Parliament: “We are of course deeply disappointed and concerned at today’s verdict.”
She added that she would raise the case at the highest levels of the UAE government.
