Marcus Fakana: Briton, 18, on bail over Dubai sex with girl, 17
Image credit: Detained in Dubai
Since September, Marcus Fakana has not been able to exit the country.
A British man, aged 18, who was given a one-year prison sentence for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl in Dubai, has been granted bail, according to a campaigning organization.
Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham in north London, started a covert romantic getaway in September with an 18-year-old from London.
Once she got back home and reviewed the photos and messages, the girl's mother alerted the Dubai police about the relationship. As a result, they apprehended Fakana at his hotel. Engaging in sexual activities with anyone under 18 is against the law in Dubai.
On Wednesday, the advocacy organization Detained in Dubai described the ruling as an "absolute shame" and announced that Fakana plans to contest the "unjust" sentence.
Both teenagers were vacationing with their parents in the emirate and are from the UK, where individuals can legally consent at the age of 16.
Fakana shared the news about his relationship with his family, but the girl didn't mention anything to hers.
The Dubai government previously stated, "According to UAE law, the girl is considered a minor. Following internationally accepted procedures, her mother, as her legal guardian, submitted the complaint."
It stated, "Dubai's legal framework is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of every person and guaranteeing fair legal processes."
Ms. Stirling, who is the founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai—a group that assists foreigners overseas and is a recognized expert on UAE law—shared with the BBC that Fakana was taken aback by the "incomprehensible" sentence.
She expressed, "This situation doesn't deserve a year in prison or the destruction of this family, nor should it completely derail the life of this young 18-year-old."
"I believe that the appeal will successfully change the custodial sentence, and he will be permitted to go back home."
The real issue is determining how long it will take and how much work will be involved, whether it's through British involvement or public backing to convey to Dubai that this is not acceptable.
After the vacation, the parents of the 18-year-old headed back to London without him to go back to their jobs—one working in a warehouse and the other as a cleaner—to help cover the costs of his temporary living situation.
A representative from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated, "We are providing assistance to a British citizen in the UAE and are in touch with his family."
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