DURHAM ACADEMIC JAILED FOR UAE SPYING
Durham University academic Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada. Mr Hedges has been sentenced to life in prison in the United Arab Emirates after being convicted of spying Reporter THE distraught wife of a Durham University academic jailed for life in Dubai has thanked his supporters after a petition set up for his release has shot past 225,000 signatures – and continues to rise.
As the family of Matthew Hedges, jailed for spying in the United Arab Emirates, make a plea to the country’s government for his release, their petition has gained massive support.
Matthew’s wife Daniela Tejada set up the petition only days ago and today publicly thanked the thousands of supporters who have added their names.
On her Twitter page she said: “In 3d since being open, the petition to free #MatthewHedges has surpassed 200k signatories from every corner of the world. Overcome with gratitude at everyone’s kindness and support through this nightmare. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The petition has been set up on the Petition.org website with a 300,000 signature target and it is climbing rapidly.
It says: “My husband, Matthew Hedges has just been sentenced to life in prison in the UAE after being accused of spying. Matthew is an academic at Durham University, these charges are absurd. I am desperately pleading for help to get the charges dropped, and bring him home to the UK, where he belongs.”
Mr Hedges, a Middle Eastern studies specialist, was arrested at Dubai Airport on May 5.
A family representative said he had since been held in solitary confinement for more than five and a half months, during which his “mental and physical health seriously deteriorated”.
Daniela was at the Abu Dhabi court when Matthew was sentenced during a five-minute hearing on Wednesday. But she is now back on British soil fighting for his release.
However, the UAE’s UK ambassador has defended the trial of PhD student Matthew, saying it was “an extremely serious case”.
However, in a statement at the UAE embassy in London on Friday, Sulaiman Hamid Almazroui revealed the Gulf state were considering a clemency request made by Matthew’s family stating everyone has the right to appeal.
Mr Almazroui said: “Matthew Hedges was not convicted after a five-minute show trial, as some have reported.
“Over the course of one month, three judges evaluated compelling evidence in three hearings.
“They reached their conclusions after a full and proper process. This was an extremely serious case.
“We live in a dangerous neighbourhood and national security