The United Arab Emirates has pardoned British academic Matthew Hedges, who was given a life-term over charges of espionage, with immediate effect.
The Middle Eastern Studies expert was sentenced to a lifetime in jail in a hearing that lasted five minutes on November 22 on charges of spying. He was not provided legal representation during the proceeding against him.
UK's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt had earlier stated that there would be serious diplomatic consequences for UAE over the life sentence and rallied for the academic's release. He had also mentioned that the UK found no evidence to back up charges against Hedges, promising to do all that they can to "get him home".
Hedges had been arrested at the Dubai airport on May 5 and kept in solitary confinement for six months before being given a bail, according to CNN.
Further details are awaited.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app