Further to our previous statement made on 23 October 2018, the Political Studies Association of the United Kingdom utterly condemns the decision yesterday by a court in the United Arab Emirates to imprison University of Durham PhD student Matthew Hedges simply for carrying out academic research. Like many others, we were shocked and appalled at this decision and sincerely hope that it can be overturned as soon as possible. We urge the UK Government and all those with any influence in the matter to do all within their power to secure a change in this outcome and Matthew’s safe release. 

Note [23/11/19]: To support Matthews release, you can sign this petition: https://www.change.org/p/uae-government-free-matthew-hedges.