The UK government apologized to a British scholar who was falsely accused of espionage and mistreated in the United Arab Emirates.
Matthew Hedges consistently maintained his innocence regarding the allegations against him. He explained that he was doing research for his PhD at Durham University.
The Foreign Office (FDCO) acknowledged that he and his family had a very upsetting experience.
Dr Hedges, who lives in Exeter, said that he was very happy to receive an apology, which he referred to as an important turning point.
He had complained before to a person who helps resolve problems in the government. This person started an investigation into how the FDCO handled his situation.
The court decided that the FDCO did not do a good job of keeping the academic safe and they should give him £1,500 as payment for what happened.
In2018,Dr. Hedges was in Abu Dhabi when he was accused of being a spy for MI6 and working for the UK government.
The UAE officials said they found evidence on his computer that showed he was working as a spy.
He was given a lifetime in prison, but the president of the country later forgave him.
Dr Hedges said that he was kept in handcuffs and alone in a small room,asked many questions for a longtime, and given various types of medications.
He said that what he went through had caused him to have post traumatic stress disorder and not being able to sleep.
Review of cases involving torture
On Monday, the FDCO acknowledged that Mr Hedges and his family had a very upsetting experience that had a strong effect on them.
“We agree with the ombudsman’s conclusion in Mr. Hedges’ case, and we apologize. We will also give the compensation that was suggested,” the statement said.
An investigation has started to examine the rules on how to handle cases of torture and mistreatment, and consular staff are receiving training.
Officials will also check how the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) helps British citizens who get arrested or are in prison in other countries.
The statement means that we want to do what is best for each person, and it is not okay to report torture or mistreatment without their permission because it can be dangerous.
Dr Hedges, who posted on social media, was happy about the apology and said it had been a difficult journey to get to this point.
“He said that the recognition from the FDCO about the torture and unfair treatment I experienced in the UAE is a significant moment, not only for me and my family, but for all British people. ”
The FCDO did not fulfill their responsibilities to a citizen, and I really hope that the many other British people who are currently being held and tortured will benefit from the FCDO’s promise to reevaluate their old and inadequate policies.
I’m sorry, but I still have a criminal record for spying for the British Government, and the apology doesn’t change that.
He said it was confusing that the UK still works with the UAE, even though they are unkind to British people.
“He added that the FCDO should do more to convince the UAE to prove my innocence because they have a strong relationship. ”
“I will keep fighting for people who have not been lucky to be set free or who have been unfairly accused of ridiculous things. Today, I am happy that the FCDO has agreed to do more to safeguard and assist British citizens. ”
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