There is stupid and there is stupiiiiid. Did he think he was playing a prank at the time? He actually went to pick up the money and he wants the Qatari govt to believe he didn't really plan to sell any secrets.

He shouldn't have sent those emails period. If he wasn't happy with his employers all he had to do was move on to another job.

Giving him a life sentence however, is a bit too much. I hope the Qatari Supreme Court will tamper justice with mercy and give him a shorter sentence. But believe you me he has to understand that you do not mess with another country national treasure!!