On Wednesday, Matthew Hedges a British PHD student, was jailed for life for spying on the UAE.

Hedges was detained at Dubai International Airport in May on suspicion of spying, after he reportedly sought out sensitive information about the UAE. He was found guilty in an Abu Dhabi court and could serve a maximum of 25 years in jail, followed by deportation.

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals confirmed the defendant pleaded guilty to all charges against him before the court in a state security criminal case, after a reportedly compelling legal case was brought against him.

‘The defendant confessed in detail to his crimes’

WAM confirmed Hedges confessed in detail to his crimes during investigation, and was ‘accorded his full rights and assurances as per the UAE Constitution and state laws to fair and transparent trial’, according to Public Prosecution, Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi.

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Representatives of the British Embassy were present during the trial.

Jeremy Hunt – the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs said he’s raised the case with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan

Our thoughts are with Matthew Hedges, his wife Daniela and his family today. We will do everything we can to get him home as soon as possible pic.twitter.com/hE4systClL

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) November 21, 2018

He labelled the news ‘extremely worrying’

News on Matthew Hedges extremely worrying. We have seen no evidence to back up charges against him. FCO will do ALL we can to get him home & I will meet his wife Daniela tmrw. UAE claim to be friend & ally of the UK so there will be serious diplomatic consequences. Unacceptable.

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) November 21, 2018

Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for the Federal National Council and Minister of State for Foreign Affair has previously commented stating the case has been discussed extensively with the UK

Case of Mathew Hedges extensively discussed with UK colleagues over last 5 months. Unusual & embarrassing revelations about friends & allies. With reluctance of UK authorities to address matter thru common channels,due legal process needs to take its course.

— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) October 12, 2018

The court decision is not final

According to UAE law, the suspect has the right to appeal before the Federal Supreme Court for retrial where the evidence against him will be reviewed and the court will hear from him and his lawyer again.