Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw says 'innocent student' Matt Hedges has been jailed for life after a five minute hearing without his lawyer in the United Arab Emirates after being convicted of spying for the UK Government.
The MP is now taking up the fight on behalf of 30-year-old Matt, whose wife and her family live in Exeter, said: "I am shocked and appalled by this news. I am also extremely concerned by reports that Matt was sentenced at a hearing lasting just five minutes without his lawyer present."
Matt was arrested at Dubai airport on May 5 this year after flying to the UAE to interview people about foreign policy and security in the Middle East.
Matt and his wife Daniela Tejada, 27, were both undergraduates at Exeter University. The couple settled in the city, where Daniela's father lives, after graduating. At the time of his arrest Matt was studying for a PhD at Durham University.
Mr Bradshaw said: "Matt is an innocent student who was in the UAE conducting research for his PHD. I am seeking urgent clarification from the Foreign Office about what it intends to do now and am hoping to speak to the Minister Alistair Burt this afternoon.
"I also want to discuss what has happened with Matt's wife, Daniela, who I understand is on her way back from Dubai, where she has been looking after Matt for the last few days."
Daniela said she was concerned about her husband's mental health as he has been held in solitary confinement since his arrest.
She said: "What I can confirm is that my husband Matt has not received appropriate medical care and attention, especially in regard to his mental health.
"Matt has been kept in solitary confinement for over five months.
"Matt does not speak Arabic and is therefore unable to communicate fully with the court-appointed lawyer, who he has only met once, at his court hearing last week.
"Matt was in the UAE to carry out academic research for his PhD.
"Since he was detained on May 5, 2018 he has only ever been granted two consular visits which is in direct violation of his rights.
"Matt is a man of integrity and principle. He has a brilliant academic mind and an impeccable track record.
"He is kind and caring and greatly loved and respected. Please send him home."
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"Since he was detained on May 5, 2018 he has only ever been granted two consular visits which is in direct violation of his rights.
"Matt is a man of integrity and principle. He has a brilliant academic mind and an impeccable track record.
"He is kind and caring and greatly loved and respected. Please send him home."
British officials have visited Mr Hedges twice, although he is said to have been prevented from discussing his case with them.
According to a profile on the Durham University website, Mr Hedges' research includes Middle Eastern politics, the changing nature of war, civil-military relations and tribalism.
