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Matthew Hedges gets life term for spying in UAE
Abu Dhabi - He can appeal the ruling within 30 days after the issuance of the verdict.
Matthew Hedges, 31, has been on trial at Abu Dhabi's Court of Appeal on the charge of spying for and on behalf of a foreign state, an act that "jeopardises the military, economic and political security of the UAE", according to authorities.
On Wednesday, the judge gave him the life in prison sentence after he was found guilty of the charge.
He can appeal the ruling within 30 days after the issuance of the verdict.
The UAE's Attorney General, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, earlier said that the Briton was referred to court based on legal evidence and findings from investigations that were carried out by the public prosecution.
"The investigations guaranteed the accused's legal rights in accordance with the UAE's constitution and legal system, and close monitoring of members from the British Embassy," said Dr Al Shamsi.
He added that the British national had carried out the "unlawful act of spying" under the cover of an academic researcher.
The defendant's confession statements to investigators were "similar to the evidence and information taken from his electronic devices".
Al Shamsi said the accused appeared before the court for his first hearing in the presence of members from the British Embassy and consulate, his lawyer and a legal translator.
He also noted that the UAE government had provided the Briton with a lawyer to represent him after he failed to hire one.
"It is the right of the accused persons to have a lawyer to defend them as guaranteed by the UAE's laws and constitution for fair and transparent trials and to receive justice," the attorney general said.
He added the accused has been provided with proper medical care and all the necessary physical and mental care, which are guaranteed for all suspects in the UAE.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
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