Marcus Fakana: Let me come home, teen sentenced in Dubai pleads
Since September, Marcus Fakana has been residing in temporary housing in Dubai.
An 18-year-old man from the UK, who received a one-year prison sentence in Dubai for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl from Britain, has reached out to the ruler of the emirate, asking for permission to return home.
Marcus Fakana, hailing from north London, started a discreet romantic relationship last September with another London resident, who is now 18 years old.
Upon returning home and reviewing photos and messages, the girl's mother contacted the police in Dubai, leading to the arrest of Fakana at his hotel. Engaging in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 is against the law in Dubai.
While staying in temporary housing during his bail period, he expressed to the advocacy group Detained in Dubai: "I am requesting forgiveness and a pardon from His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum."
The teenager pleaded, "I just want to go home. Can you please return my life to me?"
"I had no intention of breaking the law. It simply didn't cross my mind then, and for that, I sincerely apologize."
On Wednesday, Detained in Dubai described the ruling as a complete outrage and announced that Fakana, a resident of Tottenham, plans to challenge the "unjust" verdict.
The two teenagers were vacationing in the UAE with their parents, coming from the UK, where individuals can give consent at the age of 16.
Fakana shared the news of his relationship with his family, but the girl hadn’t mentioned it to hers.
The Dubai government previously stated, "According to UAE law, the girl is considered a minor. Following internationally accepted procedures, her mother, as the legal guardian, submitted the complaint."
It emphasized that "The legal framework in Dubai is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of everyone and guaranteeing fair legal processes."
The BBC has reached out for additional remarks.
Ms. Stirling, the founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, an organization that assists foreigners in foreign countries and is well-versed in UAE law, shared with the BBC that Fakana was "taken aback" by the "incomprehensible" verdict.
She stated, "It doesn't justify a year in prison, nor does it deserve to destroy this family and upend the life of this 18-year-old."
I believe that when the case is reviewed, the prison sentence will be rescinded, and he will be able to come back home.
The real issue is how much time and effort will be required for this, whether it involves British involvement or the public expressing to Dubai that this situation is not acceptable.
After the holiday, the parents of the 18-year-old went back to London without him. They returned to their jobs, one in a warehouse and the other as a cleaner, to help cover the costs of his short-term housing.
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 communicating with his family."
