His confession statements were "similar to the evidence and information taken from his electronic devices".

A British academic researcher, who was arrested recently on suspicion of spying on the UAE government, has been referred to court for trial.



The UAE's Attorney General, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, on Monday said that the accused, Matthew Hedges, has been referred to Abu Dhabi's Court of Appeal, charged with "spying for and on behalf of a foreign state", an act that "jeopardises the military, economic and political security of the UAE".



"The accused has been referred to court based on legal evidence and findings from investigations that were carried out by the public prosecution. The investigations guaranteed the accused's legal rights in accordance with the UAE's constitution and legal system, and close monitoring of members from the British Embassy," said Dr Al Shamsi.



He added that the British national had carried out the "unlawful act of spying" under the cover of an academic researcher.



The defendant's confession statements to investigators were "similar to the evidence and information taken from his electronic devices".



Al Shamsi said the accused appeared before the court in the presence of members from the British Embassy and consulate, his lawyer and a legal translator.



He also noted that the UAE government had provided the Briton with a lawyer to represent him after he failed to hire one.



"It is the right of the accused persons to have a lawyer to defend them as guaranteed by the UAE's laws and constitution for fair and transparent trials and to receive justice," the attorney general said.



He added the accused has been provided with proper medical care and all the necessary physical and mental care, which are guaranteed for all suspects in the UAE.



"The British national's family members and embassy staff were allowed to visit him and talk to him several times in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the UAE."



ismail@khaleeejtimes.com