British academic accused of spying in the UAE sentenced to life behind bars, in hearing that lasted 'less than five minutes'
Hedges, a few weeks before the sentencing, had said he was being kept in solitary confinement, which left him suicidal after prison conditions gave him anxiety and panic attacks
A British academic, 31-year-old Matthew Hedges, has been sentenced to life in prison after being accused of spying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hedges, a specialist in Middle Eastern studies at Durham University, reportedly appeared in court in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for a hearing which lasted "less than five minutes", according to reports. The sentencing came nearly six months after his arrest at Dubai Airport.
Hedges, a few weeks before the sentencing, had reportedly said that he was being kept in solitary confinement in the UAE, which left him suicidal after prison conditions gave him severe anxiety and panic attacks.