UAE gives life term to UK man for spying

A British academic has been sentenced to life in prison in the United Arab Emirates on charges that he was spying for the UK — a verdict that Britain described as shocking as it urged its West Asia ally to reconsider the decision.Matthew Hedges, a 31-yearold PhD student in Middle Eastern Studies at Durham University, was arrested at Dubai Airport on May 5 and has been held in detention since.

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt had travelled to the UAE last week and discussed the case with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed. He described the situation as “unacceptable”.

Hedges can challenge the ruling within 30 days. “Verdict is not what we expect from a friend and runs contrary to earlier assurances,” Hunt is reported to have said.