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British man convicted of spying and sentenced to life in UAE

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Gyrocopters fly over Dubai during the World Air Games 2015, United Arab Emirates December 9, 2015.(Reuters: Karim Sahib)

British authorities are warning the United Arab Emirates that their strong bilateral commercial and defence ties could be threatened if a UK man convicted of spying is not released.

31-year-old Matthew Hedges has been sentenced to life in prison after being arrested during what he says was an academic field trip to the Gulf nation.

His family and the British government say the charges of espionage are completely untrue.

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Featured:

Jeremy Hunt - UK Foreign Secretary
Daniela Tejada - wife of Matthew Hedges
Shahram Akbarzadeh - researcher in Middle East politics, Deakin University
Bob Seely - British MP

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