Afghan war hero returns home after being held on spy charges in Middle East
A former Royal Marine and George Cross winner who was accused of being a spy and detained more than seven months ago has now returned home.
Afghanistan veteran and former Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher is back in the UK after he was cleared of spying charges earlier this month.
His family said: "This has been a very worrying and uncertain time for all of our family, and we have known all along that Matt is completely innocent of these ridiculous charges."
The former marine was detained on 4 November 2023 and was charged with 'intentionally and illegally accessing a telecommunications network' in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Mr Croucher said: "I am just relieved to be back home after nearly eight months and I'd like to thank the media and all the British and UAE officials who helped secure my release.
"We'd also like to thank the media for highlighting his situation and that has played a significant part in getting him home."
During his incarceration in Dubai, he was reportedly interrogated for hours and questioned about his role with the UK's MOD and Intelligence Services and what relation he had with the British Embassy.
It is alleged that whilst in prison, he shared a space with 60 inmates and was forced to sleep on the floor.
He denies the charges made against him.
Barrister Ben Keith, an International Human Rights advisor, said: "The return of Matthew Croucher to the United Kingdom is to be welcomed.
"He is one of the lucky few to escape the UAE. Many are not so fortunate.
"The lack of rule of law and unwarranted attacks on foreigners is the UAE modus operandi.
"Some are lucky to escape – others are detained, mistreated and sometimes tortured without any help from the UK government.
"Hopefully the UK can take this as a reason to better scrutinise the UAE's dire human rights record."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
