Matthew Hedges was arrested at Dubai’s airport as he was leaving the country after a trip that his university and family say was to research security and foreign policy
LONDON – A British academic who was jailed for life in the United Arab Emirates on spying charges received a presidential pardon Monday, after UAE officials showed videos of him purportedly confessing to being a British intelligence agent.
Matthew Hedges, 31, a doctoral student at Durham University, was convicted of espionage on Nov. 21 but said he was in the UAE researching his PhD.
At a news conference Monday, UAE officials played short video clips of what they said was a confession by Hedges, in which he said he was a “captain” in MI6, Britain’s foreign intelligence agency. That rank does not exist in the agency.
British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed the news but said Britain does not agree with the charges.
“Fantastic news about Matthew Hedges,” Hunt said on Twitter. “Although we didn’t agree with charges we are grateful to UAE government for resolving issue speedily.”
The pardon was issued with immediate effect. Hedges is to be released once formalities are completed.
Fantastic news about Matthew Hedges. Although we didn’t agree with charges we are grateful to UAE govt for resolving issue speedily.
