The UAE Government Has Made A Statement On The Detention Of A British Citizen Who’s Attracted Media Attention Internationally
International media headlines have run wild again, reporting on the UAE detention of a British student – and the government has issued a statement.
Matthew Hedges has been detained in a UAE prison, awaiting trial on spying charges.
The 31-year-old an was detained at Dubai International Airport in May, on suspicion of spying – after he reportedly sought out sensitive information about the UAE.
The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs tweeted about the incident
Case of Mathew Hedges extensively discussed with UK colleagues over last 5 months. Unusual & embarrassing revelations about friends & allies. With reluctance of UK authorities to address matter thru common channels,due legal process needs to take its course.
— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) October 12, 2018
Which was reported in high-profile publications including BBC, The Guardian, Sky News and the like
It’s reported that Hedges was in the UAE as part of his studies for his PhD, and was seeking out confidential UAE government information.
The publications questioned the conditions of his detention, with unverified claims – however the UAE’s director of the Foreign Nationals Affairs Department within the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has carried out a review.
The director, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi found that (sourced from national news agency WAM):
1) Since his arrest Mr. Hedges has been provided with constant medical and psychological care.
2) After his initial arrest and prior to trial proceeding, Mr. Hedges’ family members and embassy staff were given access to him on several occasions in accordance with UAE laws and regulations.
3) With the completion of the investigation process and since the commencement of the trial, as per UAE law, the conditions of Mr Hedges remand have been reduced:
a) Mr. Hedges has the ongoing facility to contact family, Embassy and Consular staff and his legal counsel by phone.
b) Mr. Hedges has been provided with books and reading material of his choice.
c) Mr. Hedges’ lawyer and his immediate family have the ongoing ability to access Mr Hedges in keeping with the protocols of the trial process.
4) Since the commencement of the trial, Mr. Hedges has been accommodated in a lower security remand centre.
The statement regarding the review continued:
“It is important to note that the right to a fair trial is guaranteed by Article 94 of the UAE Constitution. The UAE constitution also provides that an accused person shall be presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a legal and fair trial. Articles 1 to 8 of Law No. 3 of 26 May 1993 guarantee the independence of Judges.
“The treatment of Mr Hedges is entirely in keeping with obligations under UAE Law and international norms and Mr Hedges’ welfare has been appropriately supported and maintained throughout the process.”
Read: UAE Minister Releases Mysterious Statement Regarding The Case Of The British ‘Spy’
