Matthew Hedges: British academic charged with spying in UAE is released on bail

PhD student's wife says she is 'still hoping for justice'

Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada (PA)

The British academic charged with spying by the United Arab Emirates has been released on bail after spending nearly six months in solitary confinement.

Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old PhD student at Durham University, was arrested at Dubai airport on 5 May and accused of “jeopardising the military, economy and political security” of the country.

He appeared in court in the capital Abu Dhabi earlier this month but the case was adjourned until 21 November.

The Foreign Office has now confirmed Mr Hedges has been released on bail.

He will have to wear an ankle bracelet and was warned he may have to return to jail, according to the BBC.

“As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, there are limits to what we can say publicly on Matthew’s case due to ongoing legal proceedings,” a spokeswoman for the FCO said.

“We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family.

“Our staff are in close contact with Matthew’s wife, Daniela, offering her all possible support at what we appreciate is a hugely difficult time. We also remain in regular contact with his lawyer.

“It is the longstanding policy of successive UK governments not to comment on intelligence matters.”

Mr Hedges’ wife Daniela Tejada, from Exeter, said Mr Hedges was “glad to be breathing fresh air” after his release but remained shocked by his arrest.

Ms Tejada said her husband had been been held in solitary confinement since his arrest with limited access to the UK consulate or his family.

Last week she called on the UK government to “clarify publicly that Matt is innocent of the charges and that there have been many falsehoods said about him.”

“​Matt was told he was being charged with gathering information and sharing it with a foreign agency – the UK government,” she said.

“It is the duty of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to protect their citizens abroad. This horrifying situation has been going on for far too long. This has been incredibly stressful and emotionally draining.”

Mr Hedges’ family say he was examining the impact of the Arab Spring on the UAE’s foreign policy and security strategy during a two week research trip.

More than 100 academics from around the world have signed a petition demanding his release.

“Matt is an innocent man,” said Ms Tejada. ”He was in the UAE to finish his PhD. The evidence will undoubtedly show this.”

Additional reporting by Press Association