Marcus Fakana, 18, jailed for one year in Dubai after 'holiday romance' with 17-year-old girl
An 18-year-old man from Britain has received a one-year prison sentence in Dubai following a "vacation love affair" with a girl who was 17 at the time.
Marcus Fakana was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with his family when he crossed paths with a girl from London, who is now 18 years old.
The leader of the advocacy group Detained In Dubai described the way he was treated as "shameful," and Mr. Fakana expressed feelings of neglect by the British government ever since his arrest in September.
He is likely to contest the verdict.
Mr. Fakana had mentioned earlier that the couple chose to keep their relationship hidden from the girl's family due to their strict nature, and they had hoped to continue their relationship when they returned to the UK.
Nonetheless, he mentioned that police arrived at his family's hotel and arrested him without providing any reasons.
According to Detained In Dubai, Mr. Fakana was taken into custody and faced charges after the girl's mother discovered their conversations and photos when they returned to the UK and reported it to the Dubai police.
"[Marcus] was really wishing to return home this week, but due to errors made by the prosecutors early on in the case, it wasn't classified as a misdemeanor when it should have been," explained Radha Stirling, the head of the group.
Mr. Fakana and his family have called on UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who represents them in Tottenham, to step in and assist with their situation.
The Foreign Office has stated that they are communicating with them.
Dubai is famous for its rigorous regulations regarding drugs, alcohol, and sexual activities. The legal age for consent is set at 18 and is firmly upheld.
In an earlier announcement, prosecutors explained that, according to UAE law, the girl is considered a minor. Following internationally accepted procedures, her mother, as the legal guardian, submitted the complaint.
Dubai's legal framework is dedicated to safeguarding everyone's rights and guaranteeing fair legal processes.
Earlier this year, a member of the Irish cabin crew faced charges of attempted suicide from the authorities in Dubai, which led to them being barred from leaving the country.
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Tori Towey's charges were ultimately dismissed, and she was permitted to return home after politicians and the media brought attention to her situation.
