Marcus Fakana: Briton, 18, sentenced over Dubai sex with girl, 17
Image credit: Detained in Dubai
Marcus Fakana has been stuck in the country since September.
A British man, 18, who engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl while they were both on vacation with their families in Dubai, has been given a one-year prison sentence, according to a campaign organization.
Marcus Fakana from Tottenham, north London, started a discreet holiday romance in September with another Londoner, who is now 18 years old.
Upon getting back home and reviewing photos and messages, the girl's mother alerted the Dubai police about the relationship, which led to the arrest of Fakana at his hotel. Engaging in sexual activity with anyone under 18 is against the law in Dubai.
The advocacy organization Detained in Dubai described the ruling as a "complete outrage" and announced that Fakana plans to challenge the "unjust" sentence.
The organization, which assists people from other countries overseas and has expertise in UAE law, stated that Fakana felt "let down by the British government."
A representative from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated, "We are assisting a British citizen in the UAE and have been in touch with his family."
The Dubai Public Prosecutor's office has been contacted for a statement, but in the past, it has indicated that its legal framework is dedicated to safeguarding everyone's rights and ensuring fair judicial processes.
Radha Stirling, the founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, stated that Fakana, who has been stuck in the country since September, is "eagerly wishing" to go back home this week.
"However, the way the prosecution handled things in the early stages of the case resulted in it not being considered a misdemeanor when it should have been," she explained.
The family has reached out to Dubai's ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, asking for compassion for Marcus, who engaged in consensual relations with another British citizen.
Ms. Stirling informed the BBC that the teenager would be sent back to his home country after completing his sentence.
She mentioned, "I'm uncertain if they should be enforcing this law to such a degree."
A prison sentence for consensual sexual activity between two tourists who were only visiting briefly is excessive. It shouldn't lead to a year behind bars, nor should it break apart a family or destroy the life of this young 18-year-old.
She mentioned earlier that his parents are feeling lost and unsure about what to do. They had to go back to London without their child to get back to work—one as a cleaner and the other in a warehouse.
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