‘Powerful’ evidence of Matthew Hedges’ guilt
The evidence presented in court against Matthew Hedges was “powerful and compelling”, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said in a statement after the sentencing of the British citizen to life in prison for spying on the UAE.
Abdullah Al Naqbi, head of the Department of Legal Affairs at the ministry, said on Thursday that, contrary to media reports, Hedges was treated fairly and in accordance with the UAE’s constitution, state news agency Wam reported.
“The UAE respects the rule of law and is committed to upholding the highest judicial standards. Like all countries with an independent judiciary it is vital that the government does not attempt to interfere in court cases,” he said.
“We cannot give assurances to other countries about the outcome of trials.”
Hedges, a student at Durham University in the UK, was convicted by the Federal Court of Appeal on Wednesday for attempting to procure sensitive information during a trip to the Emirates this year.
Mr Al Naqbi said that Hedges had access to medical and psychological care throughout his detention and trial and that members of his family and staff from the British embassy were allowed to see him.
“The case against Mr Hedges was thoroughly investigated by the public prosecutor. Compelling and powerful evidence was presented in court. That included: information extracted from his personal electronic devices by expert forensic analysis techniques; evidence provided by UAE intelligence agencies; witness testaments; and Mr Hedges’s own confession,” Mr Al Naqbi said.
He said the case was heard by three judges in the security division of the Higher Federal Court, who met four times.
In the first session, held on October 3, Hedges was asked whether he had proper representation and was offered the services of a court-appointed lawyer, which he accepted. He was also provided with a translator during investigations and throughout his trial – court proceedings in the UAE are conducted in Arabic.
Mr Al Naqbi denied claims that Hedges was asked to sign papers he did not understand.
Two more hearings were held on October 10 and 24 with a final session held on Wednesday to announce a verdict and pass sentence.
“The judges had made this clear in their previous session. It is normal and to be expected that such hearings are brief,” Mr Al Naqbi said.
“The crimes Mr Hedges was accused of are extremely serious. For the UAE, like all countries, protecting our national security must be our first priority.”
He reiterated that Hedges has 30 days to appeal the decision, and that families also have the right to appeal for presidential clemency on behalf of convicted relatives. The case has become a political issue in the UK, with Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt making Hedges’s situation a diplomatic matter.
“The UAE is determined to protect its important strategic relationship with a key ally,” Mr Al Naqbi said. “Officials from both countries have discussed the matter regularly over recent months. Both sides hope to find an amicable solution to the Matthew Hedges case.”
The Federal Court of Appeal convicted Hedges of spying on the UAE and sentenced him to life in prison to be followed by deportation.
However, UAE Attorney General, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, said the sentence should not be viewed as a final judgment.
Hedges was arrested at Dubai International Airport in May after an Emirati man told police the doctoral student had been asking for sensitive information.
Dr Al Shamsi said that during questioning, Hedges had admitted to the claims against him, which were “identical to evidence and information gained from his own electronic devices and investigations conducted by the UAE’s security agencies”.