Matthew Hedges, a man sentenced to life for “spying” in Dubai, has been pardoned by the UAE.
matthew Hedges, 31, denied spying back in May, and has said he had been researching his PhD.
His wife appealed for clemency, and said she was “elated” and “can’t wait to have him back home”. The UAE issued the pardon as part of a series of orders on the country’s National Day anniversary. However, a spokesman said Mr Hedges was “100% a secret service operative”.
The presidential pardon for Matt is the best news we could’ve received. Thank you friends, family, media, academics, and the wider public for your undivided support – I’ve been brought back to life. pic.twitter.com/vruok0ST6O
— Daniela Tejada (@dtejadav) November 26, 2018
Hedges was said to have “confessed” but by all accounts he was only made to sign a document admitting his guilt; even though it was in Arabic, a language which Mr Hedges doesn’t speak.
These accusations were obviously rejected by Ms Tejada, who told the BBC:”It’s taken me by surprise and I’m just so happy and so relieved and really incredulous that it is all happening finally. It’s been an absolutely nightmarish seven months already and I can’t wait to have him back home.”
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that Matthew could be released “very soon”, adding that the UK government is yet to see any of the charges against him.
He also praised Ms Tejada, describing her as a “determined lady” who had “fought incredibly hard” and that she has “been to hell and back”.
As said before, Hedges was only in the UAE to study and gather research for his PHD. Durham University’s vice-chancellor, Prof Stuart Corbridge, said: “We are absolutely delighted to learn the news of Matt’s impending release.
“It is paramount that he is now allowed to return home to Daniela and his family as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to offer Matt’s family our full support in the aftermath of this traumatic ordeal and we will be thrilled to welcome him back to the Durham University community.”
