UAE journalists in shock after British editor arrested over wife’s murder

Friends and colleagues of Francis Matthew, Editor-at-Large of the Dubai-based Gulf News, have expressed immense shock at the news of him reportedly being under arrest in the UAE for his wife’s murder.

A source from Dubai Police investigations' unit confirmed the Jane Matthew, 62, was killed on July 4 after being assaulted 'with a heavy object' while she was asleep.

Someone who works in Gulf News and knew Matthew told Al Arabiya that he was “absolutely the last person I can think of who is a prototype who could kill his wife,” adding that he was very “genteel and always elegantly dressed.” According to the source, “Francis is very well-respected and always looked very calm.”

He also said that Matthew was seen a lot less in the office leading up to the incident. Matthew was editor of the paper from 1995-2005. He has been a reporter and commentator in the Gulf from the 1980s.

Meanwhile, a source in Dubai police told Al Arabiya on Monday that the crime took place on July 4 while Jane was asleep and she was subjected to an attack using a heavy object. The Dubai Media Office later gave the details related to the crime in a series of tweets.

‘Genteel’ figure

Another media professional, who had worked with Matthew at Gulf News, said even after leaving the organization, they maintained cordial relations.

“I have had fantastic relations with him. He interviewed me for the job and was always available for help and advise,” he said.

In a statement released on its website, Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News and Executive Director Publications, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Jane was found dead on Tuesday night. We share the family’s grief and pray to the Almighty to give them the strength and patience to overcome this very difficult situation.”

“Both Francis and Jane have been part of society for nearly 30 years and were very active members of the British expatriate community. We request that the family be given the privacy they need to cope with the loss,” the statement added.

Many journalists also took to social media to express their surprise at the incident and mourn the loss of Jane.